Kentucky still has some residents who aren't wearing their seat belts. Despite a wealth of data showing that seat belts save lives and also despite implementation of a primary seat belt law, Kentucky’s 80 percent seat belt usage rate lags behind the national rate of 84 percent.
The annual Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, which began Monday and runs through June 6, will attempt to bring awareness to this issue as officers buckle down on those not buckled up.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Office of Highway Safety officials, along with the Kentucky State Police, launched the campaign. “Kentucky undoubtedly experiences far too many fatalities that could have been avoided with the simple use of a seat belt,” said Acting Secretary of Transportation Mike Hancock. “Clearly this is an indication that people are just not aware of the huge risk taken by not buckling up.”
Overall, fatality numbers steadily decreasing each year. However, statistics for 2009indicate 398 (61.3 percent) of the 649 people who were killed in motor vehicles last year were not wearing a seat belt.
Traffic safety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted by state and local law enforcement during the two-week Click It or Ticket mobilization, looking for any traffic violation with an emphasis on seat belt usage. Those not buckled up or who are in violation of other laws will receive a citation. But those who are buckled will receive a different kind of ticket – a “Click It FOR Tickets” voucher that allows them to register to win a pair of tickets to the Kentucky Speedway.
Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Chuck Geveden says the office awarded more than $240,000 in federal funds to 59 state and local police agencies across the Commonwealth to help bolster seat belt enforcement during the campaign. The funding is provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Although enforcement officers will be prevalent during the campaign, Geveden emphasized, “The Click It or Ticket campaign is not about writing tickets. It’s about awareness and saving lives. If one life is saved through this effort, it will be worth it.”
According to the NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
KYTC Seeks Comment on Disadvantage Business Enterprise
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is seeking public input on proposed goals for increasing Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) involvement in highway projects.
The KYTC Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development, which oversees the cabinet’s DBE program, is proposing an annual, overall DBE participation goal of 7.76 percent for federal fiscal year 2011, up from the current goal of 7.0. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, the new goal would be in effect for three years.
The 2011 goals and methodology will be available online at http://transportation.ky.gov/OBOD from May 26 until June 25, 2010. Written comments will be accepted for 15 days afterward –until July 10, 2010 – and can also be submitted online through the website. In addition, written comments on the 2010 participation goal also are being accepted through July 10 and may be submitted to:
Melvin Bynes
Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, Ky. 40622
Information also is available by calling 1-800-928-3079 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.
In addition, the Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development will host forums during May in each of the cabinet’s 12 highway districts to explain the proposed goals and how they were established.
“The forums give the public an opportunity to participate in a dialogue about how we ensure disadvantaged businesses are represented fairly when cabinet projects are awarded,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “Decisions regarding our disadvantaged business program have a broad effect, and our staff attempts to clarify everything about the process through public meetings and these proposed goals.”
The Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, a diverse workforce and the promotion of equitable business opportunities throughout Kentucky.
Public forum schedule; all times local:
May 17
District 9, Flemingsburg, 5-7 p.m., Stockton Station Inn, 129 West Water Street.
District 10, Jackson, noon-1p.m., Jackson Inn, 19 Brewers Drive.
District 5, Louisville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 447 Farmington Ave.
May 19
District 8, Somerset, 5-7 p.m., Hampton Inn, 4141 US 27.
District 11, Manchester, noon-1:30 p.m., London Hampton Inn, 200 Alamo Drive, London.
May 20
District 6, Covington, 5-7 p.m., Cincinnati Marriott at River Center,
10 West River Center Boulevard, Cincinnati.
District 7, Lexington, from noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1950 Newtown Pike.
District 12, Pikeville, 1-2 p.m., Hampton Inn, 831 Hambley Boulevard.
May 21
District 4, Elizabethtown, noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 107 Buffalo Creek Drive.
May 24
District 2, Hopkinsville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 12759 Fort Campbell Boulevard.
May 25
District 1, Paducah, noon-1:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 3835 Technology Drive.
District 3, Bowling Green, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1021 Wilkinson Trace.
The KYTC Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development, which oversees the cabinet’s DBE program, is proposing an annual, overall DBE participation goal of 7.76 percent for federal fiscal year 2011, up from the current goal of 7.0. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, the new goal would be in effect for three years.
The 2011 goals and methodology will be available online at http://transportation.ky.gov/OBOD from May 26 until June 25, 2010. Written comments will be accepted for 15 days afterward –until July 10, 2010 – and can also be submitted online through the website. In addition, written comments on the 2010 participation goal also are being accepted through July 10 and may be submitted to:
Melvin Bynes
Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, Ky. 40622
Information also is available by calling 1-800-928-3079 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.
In addition, the Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development will host forums during May in each of the cabinet’s 12 highway districts to explain the proposed goals and how they were established.
“The forums give the public an opportunity to participate in a dialogue about how we ensure disadvantaged businesses are represented fairly when cabinet projects are awarded,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “Decisions regarding our disadvantaged business program have a broad effect, and our staff attempts to clarify everything about the process through public meetings and these proposed goals.”
The Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, a diverse workforce and the promotion of equitable business opportunities throughout Kentucky.
Public forum schedule; all times local:
May 17
District 9, Flemingsburg, 5-7 p.m., Stockton Station Inn, 129 West Water Street.
District 10, Jackson, noon-1p.m., Jackson Inn, 19 Brewers Drive.
District 5, Louisville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 447 Farmington Ave.
May 19
District 8, Somerset, 5-7 p.m., Hampton Inn, 4141 US 27.
District 11, Manchester, noon-1:30 p.m., London Hampton Inn, 200 Alamo Drive, London.
May 20
District 6, Covington, 5-7 p.m., Cincinnati Marriott at River Center,
10 West River Center Boulevard, Cincinnati.
District 7, Lexington, from noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1950 Newtown Pike.
District 12, Pikeville, 1-2 p.m., Hampton Inn, 831 Hambley Boulevard.
May 21
District 4, Elizabethtown, noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 107 Buffalo Creek Drive.
May 24
District 2, Hopkinsville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 12759 Fort Campbell Boulevard.
May 25
District 1, Paducah, noon-1:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 3835 Technology Drive.
District 3, Bowling Green, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1021 Wilkinson Trace.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Summer Youth Bus Passes go on sale May 21
If you've got a child or a teen that needs to get to their summer job, the mall or a movie, TARC is hoping to make it easier for you!
TARC is offering their Summer Youth Bus Pass for $30. The pass is valid for unlimited rides on all TARC routes seven days a week beginning May 21 and continuing through Aug. 31. The pass can be used by children ages 6 to 17 within TARC’s five county-service area including Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana.
TARC’s Summer Youth Pass will be on sale at the following locations:
Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
All Fifth Third Banks
Louisville Free Public Library, 3rd & York
Passes will also be sold online beginning Monday, May 17 at www.ridetarc.org. To order by mail, send a check or money order for $30, with your name, address and phone number, to SUMMER YOUTH PASS; c/o TARC cashier; 1000 W. Broadway; Louisville, KY 40203.
TARC is offering their Summer Youth Bus Pass for $30. The pass is valid for unlimited rides on all TARC routes seven days a week beginning May 21 and continuing through Aug. 31. The pass can be used by children ages 6 to 17 within TARC’s five county-service area including Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana.
TARC’s Summer Youth Pass will be on sale at the following locations:
Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
All Fifth Third Banks
Louisville Free Public Library, 3rd & York
Passes will also be sold online beginning Monday, May 17 at www.ridetarc.org. To order by mail, send a check or money order for $30, with your name, address and phone number, to SUMMER YOUTH PASS; c/o TARC cashier; 1000 W. Broadway; Louisville, KY 40203.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Public Meeting to discuss outline route alternatives for Louisville Loop’s Northeast Route
Metro Parks will present the master plan for routing the Louisville Loop through the city’s northeastern neighborhoods during a community meeting on Tuesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Historic Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane.
The final plan identifies several alternative routes for the Louisville Loop, as it travels from Miles Park on Shelbyville Road to River Road. The Louisville Loop is a paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians that will encircle Louisville for a distance of approximately 100 miles. Some segments of the Louisville Loop will also include soft-surface paths for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Before the plan becomes final, citizens will have an opportunity to offer comments about the plan, either during the meeting or via e-mail at parks@louisvilleky.gov. The plan will be posted online at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/cityofparks/projects/northeastloop.htm.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Lanes closures on KY 841/KY 1934
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office annnounced that their will be lane closures on KY 841/KY 1934 (Gene Snyder Freeway) due to pavement joint replacement. The eastbound lanes will be reduced to one lane between Lower River Road and the Greyling Drive overpass (mile points 0 to 4.3)
Lane closures are possible weeknights Monday–Friday from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. Work, which began yesterday, will continue through the end of June.
The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Lane closures are possible weeknights Monday–Friday from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. Work, which began yesterday, will continue through the end of June.
The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Local streets to be closed, TARC route information for Kentucky Oaks and Derby
The Kentucky Department of Highways has announced the following lane and ramp closures in conjunction with the Kentucky Oaks and Derby:
Friday, April 30, 2010 and Saturday, May 1, 2010
•Right lane of northbound I-65 between Bradley Avenue and Warnock Avenue (mile point 132 – 133) from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from southbound I-65 to Arthur Street (Exit 134) will be closed due to the closure of the Eastern Parkway bridge over the railroad. All northbound traffic on 3rd and 4th Streets will be detoured to Cardinal Boulevard and then connected with Arthur Street.
•Right lane of eastbound and westbound I-264 between Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway (mile point 9.1 to 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Southern Parkway (mile point 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Taylor Boulevard (mile point 9.1) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In addition, TARC will provide service to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby on four routes that normally travel within walking distance of Churchill Downs and tomorrow night, Derby Eve, all service will be free after 6 p.m.
The free bus and trolley rides on TARC provided by Miller Lite Free Rides™. The Free Rides program is designed to reduce drunk driving during major community events by providing a safe transportation alternative. Free rides on TARC will be available on all TARC routes from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Derby Eve. Extra trolleys will run along Main and Market Streets until midnight to provide better access to downtown establishments and the Miller Lite-sponsored Derby Eve Jam on the waterfront.
On Oaks and Derby Day, service will be available at the regularly scheduled times on all routes for the usual fare of $1.50. The following routes travel near Churchill Downs:
•Route #2 serves downtown, University of Louisville and Louisville International Airport.
•Route #4 serves downtown, Old Louisville, the South End and Iroquois Park area.
•Route #6 serves downtown, Shively, Iroquois Park and Fairdale areas.
•Route #29 serves St. Matthews, Highlands, University of Louisville, and Shively.
TARC will follow designated detours away from track starting at about 4:30 p.m. on Oaks and Derby Day. After the races, buses will pick people up at a different stop than where they were dropped off. Non-Derby TARC riders will also be affected by the detours.
TARC will not provide shuttles from downtown, Papa John’s Stadium or the Fairgrounds this year, due to a change in federal regulations regarding private charter service.
For information about the schedule and fares for using TARC service to Derby and Oaks, call TARC’s Customer Service Department at 502-585-1234, TTY 502-213-3240, or visit TARC’s website at www.ridetarc.org. For information on the Miller Lite Free Rides program, please visit www.MillerLiteFreeRides.com.
Friday, April 30, 2010 and Saturday, May 1, 2010
•Right lane of northbound I-65 between Bradley Avenue and Warnock Avenue (mile point 132 – 133) from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from southbound I-65 to Arthur Street (Exit 134) will be closed due to the closure of the Eastern Parkway bridge over the railroad. All northbound traffic on 3rd and 4th Streets will be detoured to Cardinal Boulevard and then connected with Arthur Street.
•Right lane of eastbound and westbound I-264 between Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway (mile point 9.1 to 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Southern Parkway (mile point 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Taylor Boulevard (mile point 9.1) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In addition, TARC will provide service to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby on four routes that normally travel within walking distance of Churchill Downs and tomorrow night, Derby Eve, all service will be free after 6 p.m.
The free bus and trolley rides on TARC provided by Miller Lite Free Rides™. The Free Rides program is designed to reduce drunk driving during major community events by providing a safe transportation alternative. Free rides on TARC will be available on all TARC routes from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Derby Eve. Extra trolleys will run along Main and Market Streets until midnight to provide better access to downtown establishments and the Miller Lite-sponsored Derby Eve Jam on the waterfront.
On Oaks and Derby Day, service will be available at the regularly scheduled times on all routes for the usual fare of $1.50. The following routes travel near Churchill Downs:
•Route #2 serves downtown, University of Louisville and Louisville International Airport.
•Route #4 serves downtown, Old Louisville, the South End and Iroquois Park area.
•Route #6 serves downtown, Shively, Iroquois Park and Fairdale areas.
•Route #29 serves St. Matthews, Highlands, University of Louisville, and Shively.
TARC will follow designated detours away from track starting at about 4:30 p.m. on Oaks and Derby Day. After the races, buses will pick people up at a different stop than where they were dropped off. Non-Derby TARC riders will also be affected by the detours.
TARC will not provide shuttles from downtown, Papa John’s Stadium or the Fairgrounds this year, due to a change in federal regulations regarding private charter service.
For information about the schedule and fares for using TARC service to Derby and Oaks, call TARC’s Customer Service Department at 502-585-1234, TTY 502-213-3240, or visit TARC’s website at www.ridetarc.org. For information on the Miller Lite Free Rides program, please visit www.MillerLiteFreeRides.com.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Westport Road/I-264 Interchange Ribbon Cutting Held
Elected and other government officials as well as residents gathered this morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a long-standing project.
Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Kentuckly Transportation Cabinet District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock and Govenor Steve Beshear's Chief of Staff Adam Edelen each spoke during the ribbon cutting for the interchange ramps I-264 at Wesport Road.
The $47 million project also includes widening of Westport Road between I-264 and Hubbards Lane. The project has been in the works for 25 years. As the ribbon cutting was being held, crews were still putting the finishing touches on the project.
The ramp from Westport Road to the Watterson headed toward Shelbyville Road opened Thursday morning and two more are scheduled to open by the end of the day. The remaining ramp, from southbound I-264 to Westport Road, will open on Friday. The widening of Westport Road from the interchange to Hubbards Lane will be completed in 6-8 weeks. The delay in opening the ramps all at once was due to the considerable rain we've recently received.
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