A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to ramp up preparations on Tuesday for a project to replace or repair concrete along the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Western Kentucky.
The work zone runs from the 69 to 51-mile markers through parts of Trigg, Caldwell, and Lyon counties. A news release says eastbound lanes will carry two-way traffic while 10 miles of the westbound side is closed for reconstruction.
Construction barrels will be used to establish lane restrictions until installation starts on a centerline barrier wall about June 7. When installation begins, eastbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. Once the barrier wall is in place, the contractor will set a date for westbound traffic to be shifted to one lane.
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat says eastbound I-24 traffic will be restricted to one lane with the lane restriction lengthening as the barrier wall installation progresses over several weeks. He noted there will be a strictly enforced 55 mph work zone speed limit with an enhanced police presence.
Truckers should be aware there will be two different maximum load widths – 15 feet for eastbound vehicles and 12 feet for those going west, due to the barrier wall.
A section of the westbound pavement repair work from the Trigg-Christian County line near the 69 mile marker to the U.S. 68 Cadiz-Hopkinsville Exit 65 interchange will be completed with lane restrictions using construction barrels only.