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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear celebrates opening of widened US 68 in Jessamine County
Joins Congressman Ben Chandler, local officials at ribbon cutting on ‘vital corridor’
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by Congressman Ben Chandler and numerous local officials, today marked the opening of a widened US 68 to serve motorists in Jessamine County.
“US 68 is a vital corridor that thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles depend on every day,” Gov. Beshear said. “It has always been a very scenic highway, and that won’t change. But the new, four-lane roadway is much better suited for handling the tremendous growth that has been experienced here.”
The $29.3 million reconstruction project resulted in 5.7 miles of wider, safer roadway. The project area begins at the intersection of US 68 and KY 29 and moves northward.
“I am so pleased that federal funds will go toward making U.S. 68 safer and more efficient as development continues in that area,” Congressman Chandler said. “This expansion will immediately create jobs here in Central Kentucky and continue to fuel economic growth after its completion.”
State Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, said the new highway “is the type of infrastructure we need to promote job expansion. I am proud to see our community leaders working to improve Jessamine County.”
State Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, said the project would benefit a broad area. “This road will be a life saving investment for those in all of Jessamine County but especially Wilmore and High Bridge residents. The citizens of Jessamine County deserve safe roads, and roads that can enhance the economic development of Wilmore and surrounding areas,” he said.
Jessamine County Judge-Executive Neal Cassity said completion of the project represents a leap forward for highway safety. “The newly reconstructed US 68 will help eliminate death and injury. It is a matter of fashion to drive this stretch of scenic Kentucky highway,” he said.
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