Kentucky.gov

Department of Highways, District 6
Governor Fletcher, Transportation Cabinet Celebrate Opening of New Road to Opportunity

Highland Avenue Extension Paves The Way for Future Development

Covington, Ky. (October 9, 2007) – The new Highland Avenue (KY 1072) extension is now open for traffic.  Governor Ernie Fletcher’s Executive Cabinet Secretary, Robbie Rudolph, helped Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and local and state dignitaries celebrate the opening during a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday morning. The extension will not only lead to an expanding Fidelity Investments campus, but will open other opportunities for economic development.

“"It was just 16 months ago that Governor Fletcher and the General Assembly gave final authorization for this $15 million project  to proceed towards completion   Today, because of this investment, Fidelity Investments  is growing and development opportunities are now being extended to other businesses,” said Secretary Rudolph.  “When you look at transportation infrastructure, Governor Fletcher uses safety and economic development opportunities as the criteria for prioritizing our investments and we are able investment in worthwhile projects like this one because we are operating government more efficiently.  In fact, local communities have received more funding for infrastructure improvements during this administration than at any time in the history of the Commonwealth.  We are investing in our future and laying the foundation for healthier, stronger communities for decades to come.”

The Highland Ave. Expansion is approximately 1.75 miles long.  It includes two bridges that cross over the Banklick Creek and the CSX railroad.  There is a roundabout .7 miles from KY 17 that leads to improved access roads to connect with Howe Drive and Magellan Way as public streets on the Fidelity Investments campus. 

“This new road will provide a greater opportunity for economic development in Northern Kentucky,” said Sen. Jack Westwood (R-Crescent Springs). “It will also help expand the efforts of public transportation by providing a safer and more convenient access to commuters who use the ‘Park and Ride’ facility near the TANK garage.”

“This road will also lead to economic progress by opening up over 200 acres here in Kenton County,” said Rep. Tom Kerr (R-Taylor Mill).  “We appreciate the Governor working with local and state leaders to move this project forward.  Further, this road will provide improved school bus access to the children living at the Washington Square Apartments complex located off Howe Drive.”

 “We are pleased that Governor Fletcher placed a high priority on economic development because the Highland Ave. extension will not only benefit Northern Kentucky, but Kentucky as well with business development,” said Rep. Jon Draud (R-Edgewood).  “We are having success because we are working together to create new opportunities for our people.”

Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, the region’s economic development entity representing Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, facilitated this road extension project.  Tri-ED’s Chairman Steve Pendery stated “The collaborative assistance from many agencies, including Governor Fletcher, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Northern Kentucky Legislative Caucus, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kenton County and the City of Covington, to name a few, was tremendous on delivering this project ahead of schedule.  We were presented with a challenge and met that challenge.”

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The new Highland Ave. Extension was officially opened. Pictured left to right are: