Milton Small Area Planning Study

The study is expected to develop concepts and cost estimates that will focus on three key elements:

• US 421 approach improvements to the Milton-Madison bridge, including “Milton Hill," which contains grades up to 7% and has recurring slides/maintenance issues as the highway climbs the edge of the bluffs along the river. 

• Freight mobility is challenging for large trucks with tight turns downtown (KY 36/Ferry Street).​ Narrow pavement and low-lying areas along KY 36 also limit routing. Truck trips to/from Madison reportedly must follow US 421 to I-71 to reach Carrollton, representing a 45-minute detour. 

• Continue to consider pedestrian/bicycle mobility within Milton.

 
The current study grew from three decades of transportation plans and projects—which focused on the Ohio River Bridge but also started to consider other mobility needs in Milton. Most recently, a 2015 project considered changes at the base of Milton Hill but did not address geotechnical concerns along the hillside.  The current study zooms out to view the larger area and see if community perspectives have shifted in the past ten years. We will analyze existing geometry, traffic, and crashes—plus listen to local input—to identify options for improving mobility, reliability, and safety.

Two public meetings are proposed throughout the planning process:

1. Spring 2025, an in-person meeting to discuss transportation needs and priorities within the study area
2. Fall 2025, to present Build options and gather input on best-fit solutions

 
Once scheduled, meeting details will be added here.