Early Morning Work Continues along U.S. 641 Through Downtown Benton

PADUCAH, Ky. (Aug. 4, 2020)  — A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans early morning work along U.S. 641 through downtown Benton with near 24-hour construction activity continuing for several weeks.

This work zone along U.S. 641 runs from mile point 7.98 near the Town Creek Bridge extending northward through downtown Benton to mile point 8.824 at the KY 348/5th Street intersection, a distance of about 8/10ths of a mile.  It includes all of the one-way sections along Main Street and Poplar Street in Benton.

The contractor has the following work zone update:

  • Concrete pavement and curb/gutter work is complete along the left-hand or passing lane of Main Street from 8th Street to 11th Street
  • Curb/gutter work along Main Street from 12th Street to 15th Street is expected to continue for another 3 to 4 days
  • Curb and gutter  work along the right-hand or driving lane of Poplar Street between 14th Street and 15th Street is expected to continue for another 2 to 3 days

The contractor plans the following work zone activity starting around 3 a.m., CDT, each day for the week of August 9:

  • Curb and gutter pours along the right-hand or driving lane of Poplar Street between 12th Street and 14th Street
  • Concrete pavement pours along the right-hand or driving lane of Poplar Street between 14th Street and 15th Street

Some short detours via side streets may be required during the early morning hours to facilitate construction activities at these locations.  The early morning construction is aimed at limiting traffic disruptions and enhancing worker safety.

Delays are possible during the movement and placement of equipment.  Motorists should be alert for trucks hauling materials into and out of the worksite.

Due to the high level of construction activity over the next several weeks, motorists are asked to use an alternate route whenever possible.  There is a 25 mile per hour work zone speed limit.

The contractor is required to maintain one lane of traffic flow in each direction at all times.  The contractor will attempt to minimize access interruptions to driveway entrances and maintain access for businesses and residences along the work zone.  However, entrance closures will be required at times.

There will be no on-street parking in areas with construction activity.

This U.S. 641 reconstruction project through downtown Benton was scheduled for completion this summer.  However, as work progressed engineers determined there was insufficient gravel base under several sections of the roadway.  The project was extended into this fall to allow placement of reinforced concrete pavement along the areas with base issues.

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $3,325,189 highway improvement project.  The target completion date for all work on the project has been extended to November 15, 2021.