Work Zone includes 13 miles of two-way traffic
PADUCAH, Ky. (June 30, 2020) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is alerting holiday travelers that an extended work zone along Interstate 24 in Kentucky will have to remain up over the July 4th Holiday Weekend. High holiday traffic volume has the potential to create travel delays.
There will be no construction activity in this work zone over the July 4th weekend. However, lane restrictions along I-24 from the 52 to 65 mile marker will remain up over the holiday weekend and through the summer months. This extended work zone includes 13 miles of two-way traffic running on the westbound lanes with a centerline barrier wall and an additional 4 miles of lane restrictions with traffic barrels.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are encouraging travelers to consider a self-detour via an alternate route to help reduce traffic congestion in this extended I-24 work zone. The alternate route for eastbound traffic takes I-69 South to the U.S. 68 Draffenville Exit 47 Interchange, then along U.S. 68 East through Land Between The Lakes to return to I-24 at the Cadiz Exit 65 Interchange. The alternate route adds about 8 minutes of travel time. However, it allows motorists to avoid the potential for backups and delays along I-24.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor the I-24 work zone for potential traffic backups by checking the traffic monitoring features at GoKY.ky.gov, WAZE.com, or by monitoring the WAZE APP. The WAZE APP will also suggest alternate routes when backups occur.
Truckers should be aware the westbound work zone includes a maximum 15 ft. load width restriction due to the use of a centerline barrier wall. The eastbound lanes have a 12 ft. maximum load width restriction.
This I-24 work zone includes a strictly-enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit with an enhanced enforcement presence. More than 22,000 vehicles travel this section of Interstate 24 in an average day. Motorists are asked to use both patience and caution in this work zone through the 2020 construction season.
Hall Contracting of Kentucky is the prime contractor on this $28,090,000 highway improvement project. The project includes major rehabilitation work along the eastbound lanes of I-24 from the 51 to 65-mile marker, and spot concrete repairs from the 64 to 69 mile marker. There will be a later phase of concrete pavement repairs along westbound lanes. The target completion date is November 30, 2020.
Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going towww.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
Navigate traffic at goky.ky.gov, at waze.com, or with the WAZE App.