Perry County residents view plans for proposed new Hal Rogers Parkway exit at public meeting
JACKSON, KY – Approximately 75 people attended a public informational meeting held May 16 in Perry County concerning the proposed construction of a new interchange on the Hal Rogers Parkway west of Hazard.
Attendees viewed a presentation by personnel from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Highways District 10, along with project consultants. Those attending provided comments on the project, asked several questions and viewed maps of the area showing the area to be impacted. They were also provided comment forms on which they could express their opinions on the project.
The General Assembly included a project to build a new interchange at the Hal Rogers Parkway and Briar Fork Circle road in the state’s six-year highway plan it approved last year. The legislature budgeted more than $1.3 million for design of the project in this biennium.
Three alternatives are under consideration. Two of them would result in the closure of a portion of KY 451 near where it currently intersects Briar Fork Circle Road. KY 451 traffic would be rerouted onto the Hal Rogers Parkway at the new exit to reconnect with KY 451 at existing Exit 56. Two of the alternatives utilize a traditional diamond interchange configuration; the third uses what is known as a folded diamond which reduces right of way impacts in two of the interchange’s four quadrants.
The current state highway plan has right of way acquisition scheduled to begin next year, with utility relocation slated to take place in 2019. Construction will tentatively begin in 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to budgetary considerations and potential future legislative action.
The project manager will receive written comments on the project through May 31. Photographs and plans displayed at the public hearing may be viewed at the Department of Highways District 10 office, 473 Highway 15 South, Jackson, during the comment period. Comments on the project may be addressed to: Darren Back, P.E., project manager; Kentucky Department of Highways, P.O. Box 621, Jackson, KY 41339.
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