Transportation Cabinet
Widening under way on I-64 in Clark County

Work will create six-lane roadway from Lexington to Mountain Parkway

FRANKFORT, Ky.  (June 16, 2010) – Work is under way in Clark County to widen another section of Interstate 64, creating a modernized, six-lane roadway from Lexington to the Mountain Parkway interchange, east of Winchester.

“Kentucky’s highway system is the backbone of our economy, the way in which our goods move to market and our travel needs are met,” said Gov. Steve Beshear.  “It’s a top priority of my administration to ensure that our roadways – especially our interstates and parkways – remain modern and well-maintained. The further widening of I-64 is part of that effort.”

I-64 is six lanes wide from Lexington to Van Meter Road (KY 1958) in Winchester. The current project will extend the six-lane section to the Mountain Parkway – approximately three miles.  The additional traffic lanes will be constructed on what is now grass median, and a permanent concrete barrier wall will separate eastbound and westbound traffic.

The Allen Company Inc. was awarded the contract for the project on a low bid of $32.8 million.

The project includes demolition of the bridge that carries US 60 over the interstate, east of Winchester.  The route is known locally as Mount Sterling Road.  Demolition is scheduled to begin Sunday night, June 20.  A signed detour will re-route US 60 traffic onto the interstate until a new bridge is completed, which will be in September.

The project also will require periodic, temporary closures of entrance and exit ramps to and from the Paris Road (KY 627) and construction of “traffic shift” lanes on both sides of the interstate.