Department of Highways, District 6
KYTC Making I-75 Safer

KYTC Making I-75 Safer

Panel Signs Installed to Warn

Commercial Trucks of Steep Grade Ahead

Covington, Kentucky - (January 6, 2006) -The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet just added a safety feature to I-75 in Kenton County with the addition of two 9' x 14'-6" panel signs warning commercial vehicles of the steep grade ahead.

Tom Schomaker, Chief District Engineer for District 6 stated that “I-75 carries a lot of interstate traffic; we want to warn commercial vehicles of the upcoming steep grade to try to prevent future accidents.”

George H. Stone, of Sharpsburg, Kentucky was awarded the contract for statewide panel sign maintenance for 2005.  The estimated cost to install the four panel signs was $21,570.00.  There are two yellow panel signs with black lettering that was installed yesterday and today at different locations on northbound I-75.

The first sign, installed on the Dixie Highway overpass in Fort Mitchell states: STEEP GRADE 1 MILE AHEAD.  The second sign, placed on the overpass at Kyle’s Lane states: STEEP GRADE NEXT TWO MILES.

 On Tuesday, January 10, the contractor plans to install a new panel sign on I-75 southbound in Kenton County.  Covington police will assist with traffic control, so motorists should be aware of signs and lane closures during the sign placement.  It is schedule to begin at approximately 9 a.m. and should be completed by 3 pm.  Lane closures are to begin on the right two lanes on the Brent Spence Bridge and end at just before the 12^th Street Exit.  The 5^th Street Exit will be closed during the installation.  This sign states:  TRUCKS USE RIGHT 2 LANES.

On Wednesday, January 11 the contractors will complete the project by installing a sign that states:  END TRUCK LANE RESTRICTION.  This sign will be installed on I-75 southbound at the Kyles Lane overpass in Fort Mitchell.  The right lane will be closed during installation.

Motorists should take caution while contractors are working.  Watch for signs and lane closures. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also wants to remind motorists that the speed limit is 55 mph both north and southbound from the Brent Spence Bridge to the I-275/I-75 interchange in Erlanger. 

This sign is warning commercial trucks that a steep grade is approaching.

Crews were puttting together the 9' X 14' 9" sign together before placing it on the Kyle's Lane overpass on I-75.

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