Contracts awarded for I-69 interchange upgrades in western Kentucky

Frankfort, KY. (Feb. 8, 2016)–  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has awarded two contracts for major interchange upgrades on the Interstate 69 Corridor in Marshall and Graves counties.

Governor Matt Bevin announced that Jim Smith Contracting, of Grand Rivers has been awarded a $37 million contract for the reconstruction of the I-24/Julian Carroll-Purchase Parkway interchange near Calvert City in Marshall County.

Gov. Bevin also announced that Jim Smith Contracting was awarded a $24 million contract for the reconstruction of the U.S. 45-Bypass/Purchase Parkway interchange southwest of Mayfield in Graves County.  The project includes the reconstruction of the KY 80 Mayfield interchange and improved connections to U.S. 45.

“The continued expansion of I-69 through western Kentucky is a catalyst for future economic development,” Gov. Bevin said. “Reconstruction of these interchanges is a critical step in maintaining the positive momentum for the I-69 corridor projects.”

The revised interchange design for Calvert City maintains a direct connection between the existing Purchase Parkway and U.S. 62 at Calvert City. The project on the southwest edge of Mayfield includes the reconstruction of the U.S. 45-Bypass/Purchase Parkway interchange as well as the reconstruction of the KY 80 interchange and improved connections with U.S. 45.“We anticipate the contractor will be prepared to start work at both sites sometime in March,” said KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Mike McGregor.  “We will be able to move forward with these critical pieces of the puzzle to extend I-69 south toward Tennessee in the next 2 years.”

All main line traffic connections through the interchanges will be maintained during the construction process.  Construction on each of the new interchanges is expected to take about two years to complete.

The Transportation Cabinet will issue traffic advisories for each of the projects when a specific start date has been set.