Oldham County: KY 53 Improvements from KY 22 at Ballardsville to I-71 - Project 05-8852

To ensure a safe and modern roadway that meets current design standards, this project aims to:

• Enhance safety and reduce crashes.
• Improve roadway capacity and overall level of service.
• Accommodate projected increases in automotive and commercial truck traffic on KY 53.
• Upgrade transportation infrastructure to meet current and future needs.

• ​Widen KY 53 to increase capacity and add a paved two-way left turn lane.
• Realign KY 53 in key areas to improve roadway geometry.
• Realign approach roads to enhance intersection safety.​

Enhances overall system connectivity by addressing all substandard sections of the existing KY 53.

• Supports future improvements of KY 53 toward Shelbyville.
• Offers the best access to current and planned schools along KY 22 West.
• Minimizes utility relocation costs.
• Creates new development opportunities along the new cross-country section of KY 53.
• Bypasses Ballardsville, reducing impacts on properties along the existing road while preserving a "Main Street" feel within the town.
• Avoids impacts to Ballardsville Baptist Church's parking lot and entrance, as well as the Chrystal-Bridge fish farm ponds.

Following the public meeting in March 2024, KYTC explored additional preliminary alignments to meet the project's purpose and need.

All proposed alternatives will be presented to the public at a second public meeting in the Spring of 2025.

The preliminary alternative:

• Enhances overall system connectivity, addressing some substandard sections of existing KY 53.
• Offers limited opportunities for future improvements of KY 53 toward Shelbyville.
• Involves significant right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation costs.
• Impacts homes and businesses along the existing KY 53 corridor in Ballardsville.

As of Winter 2024/2025 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

• The environmental document remains in progress, public outreach efforts will resume, and additional preliminary designs will be presented to the public in spring 2025.
• Final design is planned for late 2025 following public re-engagement.
• Right-of-way acquisition is scheduled for 2025.*
• Utility relocations are planned for 2026.*
• Construction is expected to begin in 2027.*
  
  

*The above project milestone dates are subject to change due to changes in funding availability within the next Enacted Highway Plan.*

A public meeting was held on September 25, 2008, to present the three developed alignment alternatives and gather public input.  Comments from the public meeting questionnaire were accepted until October 9, 2008. 

Documents presented at the 2008 public meeting: 

• KY 53 Preliminary Alternative Report.pdf

A public meeting was held on March 27, 2024, to review the previously selected design, provide the public with an update on project information, and to fill out comment sheets. 

Documents presented at the 2024 public meeting: 

• KY 53 Display Board 1 (2024)
• KY 53 Display Board 2 (2024)
• KY 53 Display Board 3  (2024)
  
  

***Click here for storymap.*** 

A second public meeting is planned for the Spring of 2025. Details regarding the meeting date and location will be shared with the public.