Covington, Kentucky – (April 26, 2005) - Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Executive Director of the Office of Rural and Secondary Roads in the Department of Intergovernmental Programs, Tim Henderlight, spoke at a press conference today at the Campbell County State Maintenance Facility. The message was to reinforce work zone safety to the people of Kentucky.

Many crews, both state and contractors, were on hand to support the message since motorists do drive through their jobs sites everyday. In the background of the press conference you could see the construction of the widening of US 27.

Work zone safety is a major roadway safety concern in the United States and Kentucky. The latest statistics from the Federal Highway Administration say there were 1,028 work zone fatalities in the U.S. in 2003. In 2004, there were 4 fatalities, 175 injuries and 560 total traffic crashes in Kentucky work zones. Fortunately, these numbers have significantly decreased since 2003 as there were 9 fatalities, 317 injuries and 835 total traffic crashes in Kentucky work zones.

In District 6 we have approximately 100 resurfacing projects scheduled for 2005 on primary, secondary and rural state roads in Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson counties. Other major construction projects that are scheduled for 2005 are:

• Widening of US 27 from KY 536 to Race Track Road in Campbell County - The 3.9-mile section will expand from the current four lanes with a depressed median. Currently there is a reduced speed limit of 45 mph in this construction zone. The construction cost is $25.6 million.

• Turkeyfoot Road/KY 1303 in Kenton County - Currently the first and second phase in under construction from Dudley Road to Autumn Road with the third phase from Autumn Road to West Richardson to be let this August. The three phases combined will expand the current 2-lane road to a 5-lane section. There will be two northbound and two southbound as well as continuous turning lane in this 3.9 miles of a new road. The construction cost of this third section is approximately $26.7 million.

• KY 17 in Kenton County – The $21 million project will extend the current four-lane section from Pelly Rd. to near Apple Drive. It is scheduled to begin mid-summer.

• I-71 Markland Dam Connector Road in Gallatin County - The $16.8 million-dollar project is currently under construction. The 4.7-mile new road will provide two lanes both north and southbound with a depressed median from I-71 to US 42/Markland Damn.

• I-275 Bridge Painting – District 6 is putting together a contract to paint all of the I-275 steel bridges in Kentucky, from Boone County to Campbell County. This project could begin this fall and last into 2006.

These are just some of the major projects planned for 2005. In addition there are several "smaller" projects throughout District 6. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wants all motorists to drive safely on Kentucky roads and especially in construction work zones for both you and the construction workers. We want 2005 to be a safe year for everybody!