Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear announces the KY 79 reconstruction project in Meade County under design

Completed $11.6 million project will create safer passage for larger trucks

BRANDENBURG, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined legislators and local officials to announce the beginning of design work on the $11.6 million reconstruction of  a nearly four-mile section of KY 79 in Meade County.

“Continued growth and economic development is vital for this community and our state,” Gov. Beshear said. “Modernizing our infrastructure to accommodate heavier traffic volumes and creating safer routes is a top priority of my administration.”

The reconstructed 3.8-mile section of KY 79, from KY 144 (Midway Road) to KY 1051 (Brandenburg Bypass), will create a safer, wider route for large trucks going to and from the Meade County Riverport, which is under construction. When the riverport opens next year, truck traffic, especially grain trucks, will increase along KY 79, which connects Irvington and Brandenburg.

“This is an extremely important project, and I’ve been proud to work with Governor Beshear, Transportation Cabinet officials and my legislative colleagues to help secure its funding,” said Rep. Jeff Greer, of Brandenburg. “Once ready, this revamped road will not only ease traffic concerns; it will also play a major role in future economic development tied to our new riverport.  It really has a lot of potential.”

“The improvement of Ky. 79 in our community will provide a safer route, especially for our farmers, as this road will get even busier when the riverport facility is up and running,” said Sen. Carroll Gibson, of Leitchfield.

Funding has been approved for the preconstruction phases of the project – design, right of way and utilities. Advertisement for a design consultant should occur before the end of the year. Funding for construction is expected to be addressed by the 2014 General Assembly.

###