Ramp closure extended at I-71 and KY 153 in Henry County
Additional repairs needed to roadway sub-grade
Louisville, KY (June 6, 2014) – Closure of the entrance ramp from KY 153 to southbound Interstate 71 will be extended a few days due to needed additional repairs. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) closed this ramp on June 1 as part of a construction project to replace the existing pavement with new concrete pavement. The work is taking longer than expected because of the discovery that ground beneath the road surface – an area known as the sub-grade – would not support the construction traffic and subsequently the new concrete pavement.
Construction on the entrance ramp from KY 153 to southbound I-71 was originally to be completed by Sunday, June 8. The repair work – removal of unstable soil beneath the old pavement - will necessitate keeping the ramp closed through June 12. These repairs involve removing a 2-foot-thick layer of soil and replacing it with 2 feet of crushed aggregate.
Once this work is complete, the contractor will close the exit ramp from northbound I-71 to KY 153 (Exit 28). This closure is scheduled for June 12 -19. Motorists will be detoured via northbound I-71 to US 421 (Exit 34), to southbound I-71 and back to KY 153 at Exit 28.
The remaining ramps at the I-71/KY 153 interchange will each be closed one week for concrete pavement replacement. The schedule for these ramp closures will be updated based on construction progress. This information will be provided to the public as soon as it becomes available.
This construction is part of a contract by KYTC for asphalt resurfacing and concrete bridge deck repairs on southbound I-71 between the Trimble/Carroll County line and the Little Kentucky River (mile points 38.8 to 28.1).
Construction continues on the driving lanes of southbound I-71 with asphalt paving and concrete bridge deck repairs. The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 55 MPH and double fines are being enforced.
Ohio Valley Asphalt of Paris, Ky. was awarded this contract in the amount of $12.8 million. The project is scheduled for completion in October 2014.
The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.
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