Will the $50 million project to rebuild KY 207 in Greenup County ever happen? The state has talked about rebuilding a 5-mile stretch of road between the Industrial Parkway (KY 67) and KY 693 in Flatwoods for a decade. So far, nothing has happened. Now, the state says they’re moving forward.
The state claims that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers have started the final design process for the proposed highway improvement project. People living in the area affected by the project will have surveys and letters mailed to them as part of the final planning stage.
10 Years In The Planning
- The project has been in the works for a decade. Engineers started planning back 2010.
- The first community meetings were held back in 2011. Ideas for widening the road and other safety features were discussed.
- During the past 10 years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reworked the plans and looked for funding.
Environmental Impact Study
People who live or own land along the five-mile area affected by the project will receive surveys related to environmental impact and archaeological studies.
To complete the studies, engineers and archaeologists will survey each landowner affected by property relocation. Federal laws says they have decide if relocating would be too much of a burden for minority or low-income residents.
The Goals
The plan is to rebuild KY 207, keeping it mostly along the same route. Officials say the new roadway will have:
- Wider travel lanes
- Fewer hills
- Fewer curves
- Improved intersections
The roadway will also increase the amount of traffic that can safely travel between downtown Flatwoods and the Industrial Parkway.
Once these last studies are finished, the engineers will finalize the design. Then the state can begin purchasing rights of way and relocation utilities. The price for the five-mile stretch of road: $50 million.
Citizens Have Doubts
Construction on this project won’t start until 2026. But it could take longer. It’s all dependent on funding from the state. With revenues hit hard by the COVID-19 shutdown, money could be an issue.
Residents expressed their doubts about the project on social media.
- “For real or another prank?”
- “It seems quite questionable.”
- “Been hearing this for years and crickets.”
To ask questions about the projects or the studies, contact Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 project manager Darrin Eldridge at (606) 849-1741 or environmental coordinator Karen Mynhier at (606) 849-1745. Information is also available online at https://transportation.ky.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
