Department of Highways, District 6
New Radar Signs are Providing Safer Commute on I-75/71 in Northern Kentucky

Signs will deter speeders along heavily traveled interstate

Covington, Ky. (September 26, 2007) -- Eight radar speed display signs are now in place along Interstate 75/71, helping make a six-mile stretch of expressway safer for thousands of motorists. 

The signs are in place between the I-275/75 interchange in Erlanger and the Brent Spence Bridge, a high-accident area known locally as “the cut in the hill.”  The signs are a visual reminder to motorists that the speed limit in that area is reduced to 55 mph from 65 mph. 

“We are saving lives on Kentucky highways, and these state-of-the-art radar signs will help further improve safety for thousands of motorists every day,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher.  “We believe these radar units have the potential to reduce the number of crashes and save more lives along this stretch of interstate.”

The battery-powered speed display signs, 4 feet high and 3 feet wide, are installed along the median barrier wall.  They bear an LED display that flashes the actual speed of vehicles passing the radar.  Five signs face northbound traffic and three face southbound traffic.  Total cost of the signs is approximately $80,000.

Traffic fatalities in Kentucky hit a five-year low in 2006, and the rate of fatalities has further declined in 2007. “Governor Fletcher has made highway safety is a top priority,” said Bill Nighbert, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.  “The signs are there to remind motorists to do their part behind the wheel by driving the speed limit.”

 Crews recently install the new radar speed display signs on the "Cut in the Hill" on I-75/I-71 in Northern Kentucky.

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