Parkway upgrades, widening of US 79 remain priorities locally for road plan

The governor’s proposed six-year road plan was released by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Thursday morning, but area lawmakers already have changes they hope to make in mind.

State Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County reminds that any plans outside of the upcoming two-year budget cycle are basically just a wish-list.

Widening of US 79 near Novelis in Guthrie and upgrades to two Pennyrile Parkway interchanges to bring it up to interstate standards are among his top priorities.

The proposed plan does include $500,000 in the upcoming budget for design phases of a new connector road from the Industrial Park on Pembroke Road to KY 115 near the I-24 interchange.

State Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke says he won’t support that project without additional widening of KY 115—deemed by state data one of the most dangerous roadways in the region.

Completion of the northeast bypass around Hopkinsville was completely removed from the road plan by Governor Andy Beshear and Dossett says he wants that project back in.

Hear local lawmakers discuss the road plan and other topics during our weekly Legislative Update program Sunday morning at 9 on Lite Rock 98.7 and online at lite987whop.com.