U.S. 42 Improvements (from the bridge over Harrods Creek to River Road) - Project 5-972

Implement safety and mobility enhancements on U.S. 42 from the eastern end of the bridge over Harrods Creek to just east of River Road.

The design work is being conducted following the 2022 Planning Study completed by the City of Prospect and the early 2011 design work completed by KYTC.

Currently, the project scope includes Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Analysis to address four build alternatives. Should a build alternative be advanced, the scope will then move to the final design phase. 

The five alternatives currently under consideration include:

Alternative 1 (Selected): 

• Keep the existing road; eliminate the signals with 3 roundabouts at the intersections and add pedestrian facilities. 
• Alternative 1 - Roundabouts.pdf
  

• Widening to the south for a 5-lane section throughout; keep the three signals and add pedestrian and multi-use facilities. 
• Alternative 2 - 5 Lane Widen South.pdf
  

• Access Management alternative between Timber Ridge and Fox Harbor.
• Alternative 3 - Access Management.pdf​
  

• Symmetrical widening for a 5-lane section throughout, and add pedestrian facilities.
  
• Alternative 4 - 5 Lane Widen Symmetrical.pdf
  

• No build/no changes.

​As of Summer 2026 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

• In September 2025,the Project Team (with input from the public) selected Alternative 1 for Final Design.
• The project is currently in the design phase which is expected to continue through 2027.
• Right-of-Way plans are being developed.  Right-of-Way plan development is in progress, and will contain easements as coordinated with the utility companies present.  Initial Right-of-Way plans are expected at the end of 2026.
• Right-of-Way and easement acquisitions will begin in 2027.  It is anticipated that Right-of-Way and easement acquisition will be completed at the end of 2028.
• Utility coordination and relocation will begin after all Right-of-Way and easements are obtained.

The anticipated project milestone dates above are subject to change due to changes in funding availability from KIPDA.