PADUCAH, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2018) – As part of Governor Matt Bevin’s commitment to prioritize transportation infrastructure projects and increase economic opportunity across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has awarded $350,000 in discretionary funds to realign the U.S. 62/KY 286 “Y” intersection at Milan Station in western McCracken County.
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat noted that improvements to the heavily traveled intersection gained strong support from leaders in McCracken, Ballard and Carlisle Counties.
“Governor Bevin’s continued support of improving areas where we have safety concerns, coupled with high truck traffic volumes, has allowed us to focus our attention on improving the dynamics of this intersection,” Poat said. “With the anticipated increase in large truck traffic along KY 286 due to the re-opening of the paper mill in Wickliffe in the coming months, this project will help foster a safer connection with U.S. 62 for folks traveling to and from Ballard and Carlisle Counties, and beyond, while continuing to support job creation, retention and development.”
McCracken County Judge-Executive Bob Leeper anticipates the positive impact the project will have for commuters and local industry.
“The Governor and Transportation Cabinet’s commitment to improving this intersection will be exciting news to everyone who travels this section of highway,” Leeper said.
While the U.S. 62/KY 286 intersection is located in McCracken County, Carlisle County Judge Executive Greg Terry said it will also benefit residents of his county and nearby Ballard County.
“As a frequent traveler on Highway 62 I have been aware of the ongoing hazards of the intersection at U.S. Hwy 62 and KY 286. When I was asked if there were any issues on state roads in our area, this one intersection first came to mind. I know it is not in Carlisle County, but many, if not most, of our residents travel Highway 62 regularly, and by far this intersection has been the spot of many accidents and close calls. I wanted to make sure our citizens are safe not just on our county roads, but also any state road they travel in our area. I greatly appreciate that KYTC will improve the alignment of this intersection.”
State Senator Danny Carroll expressed his appreciation for the discretionary funds directed to the intersection.
“I’m excited to learn that McCracken County has received funding to upgrade this intersection,” Sen. Carroll said. “These safety improvements will certainly benefit the people of McCracken and surrounding counties by creating more dependable roadways.”
State Representative Steven Rudy said the project reflects the state’s commitment to preserving infrastructure and improving safety for Kentuckians.
“This project will go a long way towards improving safety at this intersection and providing better transportation access for all of our citizens,” Rep. Rudy noted. “I’m glad to see our community’s infrastructure needs prioritized in Frankfort.”
The existing “Y” intersection at Milan Station near the McCracken-Ballard County line is at U.S. 62 milepoint 3.269 and KY 286 milepoint 2.281. Almost 5,000 vehicles travel through the intersection in an average day.
