Contractor is on track for I-24 Exit 4 ramp to reopen Friday, Aug. 20
PADUCAH, KY (Aug. 17, 2021) – A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is on track to reopen the eastbound I-24 Paducah Exit 4 entry ramp sometime during the day on Friday, August 20, 2021.
Eastbound traffic on I-24 has been restricted to one lane and the eastbound entry ramp has been closed since May 17 so that the acceleration lane can be extended to enhance safety. The project required widening of the eastbound I-24 Perkins Creek Bridge. Jim Smith Contracting, of Grand Rivers, is constructing the $990,028 project.
In spite of additional delays due to rainfall, the contractor anticipates being able to remove the work zone and reopen the Paducah Exit 4 eastbound entry ramp sometime Friday. An updated advisory will be provided once a more specific time can be established.
Eastbound I-24 traffic is temporarily moved to the left-hand or passing lane near the Exit 4 interchange in this work zone. There is a centerline barrier wall. Closure of the eastbound entry ramp from U.S. 60 to I-24 eastbound is for the safety of workers and motorists in the work zone.
Eastbound motorists should be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic as they cross the I-24 Ohio River Bridge from Illinois into Kentucky, or enter I-24 eastbound from the KY 305 Paducah Exit 3 Interchange.
There is no access to the eastbound lanes of I-24 from the U.S. 60 Diverging Crossover Diamond in the Exit 4 interchange. A marked detour is provided to Exit 3. Many local motorists are using side roads to access I-24 eastbound via the U.S. 45/U.S. 62 Paducah Exit 7 Interchange.