Department of Highways, District 6
Governor Beshear ceremonially opens KY 237 in Hebron

Governor Beshear ceremonially opens KY 237 in Hebron

$31 million project increases safety and improves traffic congestion

HEBRON, Ky. (June 10, 2010) — Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by local officials, today cut the ribbon to ceremonially open KY 237 – a 3.8-mile revitalization project designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety in a busy economic corridor.

The project is a $31 million investment that includes the widening of North Bend Road, construction of two roundabouts, bridge deck repairs, a 100-vehicle park-and-ride lot, and bike and pedestrian pathways.  The project begins at Litton/Medical Arts Drive, south of the I-275 interchange, continuing north to Kara Lane.

“This project modernizes the current infrastructure to accommodate the increase of traffic while focusing on safety and the easing of congestion,” Gov. Beshear said.  “Businesses and motorists will greatly benefit from the vast improvements made to this highway.”

North Bend Road was widened to three lanes from the Global Way/Tanner Road intersection north.  In addition, the I-275/KY 237 interchange was widened to five lanes with turn lanes and included several ramp improvements.  The bridge over I-275 also received a new deck overlay.

“This is a great development for Boone County as it will encourage business and development in these tough economic times,” said Sen. John Schickel, of Union.  “These investments in infrastructure will cultivate economic growth in our region from which future generations will benefit.”

“When I began my legislative career, the rehabilitation of KY 237 was a top priority for our community. I am excited to see this project completed,” Rep. Addia Wuchner, of Burlington, said. “I want to thank the residents and business owners for their patience and understanding during the construction process. Further, I want to thank Rob Hans and all of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees for their attention to the needs of the Hebron business and residential communities.”

“Roads are one of the core services government provides to the residents,” Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore said.  “This is a wise investment that will provide a better transportation corridor to the residents of the 4,000 homes that use North Bend Road every day while supporting the businesses in the area.”

The average daily traffic count on North Bend Road near the I-275 interchange is 25,000 vehicles per day.  The traffic count on I-275 in the same area is 37,000 vehicles per day.

Roundabouts were constructed at the intersections of KY 237/Cardinal Drive and KY 237/Graves Road to increase safety and improve traffic congestion.  Modern roundabouts allow traffic to flow non-stop through a circular pattern, reducing congestion and eliminating the future need of traffic signals. 

To accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, 4-foot-wide bike lanes and 8-foot-wide multi-use pathways were constructed along the route.  The local community is already taking advantage of these routes to promote healthier lifestyles. A park-and-ride facility for 100 vehicles was built across from Cardinal Drive. 

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), which provides transit services for commuters around the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area, will deliver passengers to downtown Cincinnati during weekday peak times.  The 29X Hebron Express route will pick up passengers from the new park-and-ride lot.

“This park-and-ride will allow TANK to provide more efficient and effective public transportation services to the residents of Boone County.  Furthermore, it will help us address the overcrowding at our other Hebron park-and-ride, located just a few miles away,” TANK General Manager Andrew Aiello said.  “We are extremely grateful for the partnership between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Boone County and TANK.  This is just one example of how KYTC and District 6 Engineer Rob Hans do an outstanding job of being proactive about the transportation needs of our region.”

Construction began in the spring of 2008 and will be completed in summer 2010 by Central Rock Mineral Co. LLC of Lexington.

###

Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore

Governor Steve Beshear

Andrew Aiello, General Manager for Transportation Authority of Northern Kentucky

Left to right:  Ryan Watts - KYTC Public Affairs, Katie Longshor - Office of Representative Addia Wuchner, Representative Sal Santoro, Gary Moore - Boone County Judge Executive, Governor Steve Beshear, Andrew Aiello - general manager Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, Brian Remke - Remke Markets, representing Hebron businesses.