Work begins on US 23, I-64 intersection and pavement in Boyd County
Two $3 million KYTC improvement projects
ASHLAND, Ky. (Friday, May 24, 2019) — Two Kentucky Transportation Cabinet projects on I-64 and US 23 in Boyd County will impact traffic after Memorial Day as contractors work to improve highway pavements.
The projects, totaling $3,132,000, include replacing blacktop with concrete at the US 23 intersection at the westbound I-64 Catlettsburg exit (Exit 191) and resurfacing 5 miles of I-64 between the Coalton (US 60) and Cannonsburg (KY 180) exits. Details:
US 23 Concrete Intersection @ I-64
After Memorial Day, on Tuesday, May 28, contractors will begin replacing blacktop with concrete at the intersection of US 23 and the westbound I-64 on and off ramps (Ashland side of the interstate overpass).
Work for the first two phases of the project will take place approximately May 28 to June 18 on the northbound lanes of US 23; and work for the last two phases will take place approximately June 19 to July 13 on the southbound lanes of US 23. One lane of US 23 will be closed where crews are working while one lane will remain open.
Also, both the off-ramp turning lane from westbound I-64 to southbound US 23 and the on-ramp turning lane from northbound US 23 to westbound I-64 will be closed at times:
- If you are coming from Huntington on I-64 and need to go south on US 23 toward Louisa, you won't be able to turn. You will need to seek alternate routes such as exiting onto north US 23 and turning around or continuing to the next I-64 interchange (Exit 185) and returning, which is suggested for large commercial vehicles.
- Likewise, if you are coming from southern Boyd County or Louisa on US 23 and need to go west on I-64 toward Lexington, you won't be able to turn. You will need to seek alternate routes such as continuing north on US 23 and turning around or exiting east on I-64 to the next interstate exit (at Kenova, W.Va.) and returning, which is suggested for large commercial vehicles.
Contractors will try to keep a partial lane open at the interstate ramps when possible. However, there will be several days when the turning lanes will be blocked for concrete pouring and curing. Message boards will be used to communicate closures. Motorists should be prepared to seek alternate routes.
The westbound I-64 off ramp to northbound US 23 and the southbound I-64 on ramp from southbound US 23 will not be affected. Traffic going to Ashland from I-64 west or coming from Ashland to I-64 west can continue uninterrupted.
The project is being done to provide smoother and longer-lasting pavement at the intersection. Concrete offers better wear and tear for high traffic areas and is often placed at signalized intersections such as this because it will not rut like blacktop.
I-64 Paving in Boyd County
After Memorial Day, full paving operations will begin along 5 miles of I-64 in Boyd County from mile markers 180 to 185 between the US 60-Coalton and KY 180-Cannonsburg exits. Traffic will be restricted to one lane both eastbound and westbound in that area.
The speed limit will be reduced in all work areas, with a double-fine zone. Motorists should expect delays, heed all message boards and warning signs, and slow down to protect themselves and workers.
Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 counties is also available at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict9 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict9.
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