New mini-roundabout planned at KY 801 intersection
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2020) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will upgrade six miles of US 60 around the Rowan-Bath county line this year as part of a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) project.
The project includes realigning a sharp curve at Bluestone and replacing the KY 801 intersection at Farmers with a mini-roundabout, as well as pavement improvements, new rumble strips, improved roadway markings, new guardrails and signs on US 60 from Cherry Lane at Midland in Bath County to Bluestone Road in Rowan County.
The mini-roundabout, a key component of the project, is designed to improve traffic efficiency and safety by changing the US 60-KY 801 intersection’s traffic flow.
Despite existing flashing beacons, oversized stop signs and rumble strips in use there, the four-way-stop intersection currently sees a high number of high-speed, T-bone (right angle) and other types of severe crashes.
Replacing the intersection with a mini-roundabout will slow down approaching vehicles and direct all traffic into yield and merge movements. This will reduce the number of places where traffic crosses paths, thereby helping to prevent those right-angle and severe crashes.
Mini-roundabouts, which operate like regular roundabouts but in a much smaller footprint, promote efficient traffic flow by keeping cars moving. They also feature a middle island than can be driven across to accommodate large trucks, vehicles hauling boats, and similar traffic.
State highway engineers will hold an informational meeting in Farmers this month about mini-roundabouts and how they work, as well as about the overall US 60 safety project.
The meeting will take place 6-7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Farmers Christian Church fellowship hall on KY 801 south near the US 60 intersection.
The public will be able to drop in at any time during that time to talk to highway engineers and look at plans for the safety project.
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