A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has expanded the work zone footprint for the New Eggners Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake at Aurora and has shifted traffic in the 4-lane section at each end of the project area.
Today, the length of the work zone was extended by about 1/2 mile at each end with completion of median crossovers. Traffic was shifted to the new configuration about Noon, today.
The crossovers have allowed two-way traffic to run on the eastbound side of the 4-lane sections of US 68 and KY 80. The shift of traffic is to allow the future roadway connections for the new bridge to be constructed along, and connected to, the existing roadway along the unoccupied westbound lanes.
While it will be months before the new connections will be put into service, connections are being constructed now while weather conditions are more ideal for the required work. This process will create a wealth of truck traffic as gravel and other materials are hauled into the work zone.
Motorists should slow down and use extra caution in this extended work zone. The entire work zone has a strictly enforced 35 mile per hour speed limit. Commuters should allow extra travel time.
Motorists should also be prepared to encounter almost daily lane restrictions with alternating flow controlled by flaggers as they cross the existing bridge. The lane restrictions are to allow concrete trucks to continue delivering material for construction of the bridge structure. These concrete pours can take place at any time, day or night.