On Tuesday, several local, regional, and state-level officials gathered at Martin’s Peterbilt in London for a special ceremony marking the start of the next phase of the I-75 widening project that will eventually see six lanes extending all the way to the Tennessee border.
“The widening of I-75 between Laurel and Whitley counties is about far more than just moving pavement,” said 21st District Senator Brandon Storm. “It’s about long-term investment and safety, economic growth and quality of life for the people of this region. When completed, this section will connect the rest of the six-lane expansion to the Tennessee border. This means improved freight movement, a boost in tourism, and a wide-open gateway for new opportunities.”
Karen Kelly, Chief of Staff for the office of U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, was also in London Tuesday, and spoke on behalf of the Congressman, saying, “If he were here, I feel sure the two things that he would say is ‘a project without funding is a hallucination’ and ‘plan your work, work your plan.’”
“It takes years of planning and preparation to make a project like this happen,” Kelly added.
After commending all of those who had a hand in making this project a reality, Kelly closed by saying, “It’s time to make American infrastructure the envy of the world, starting right here in rural Kentucky, right here in Laurel and Whitley counties, where our blue collar workers, our truck drivers, and the hardest working Americans are fueling the economy across this country.”
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 11 Chief Engineer Chris Jones was in attendance, offering some specifics on the project itself.
“This is another significant investment in our region’s future, improving safety by reducing congestion and preparing one of Kentucky’s most heavily traveled corridors for future growth,” Jones said before explaining that the project will involve the widening of I-75 from four-to-six lanes beginning at mile point 23.2 in Whitley County and continuing up to mile point 28.9 in Laurel County.
Additionally, Jones said that the project will include the widening of 10 structures, including bridges and overpasses, that he said will improve both safety and capacity.
“These upgrades will benefit local traffic and interstate travelers for many years to come,” Jones added.
Jones also announced that the contract for this project has been awarded as a joint venture contract to ATS Construction and Kay & Kay Contracting, two Kentucky-based contractors with what he called “a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects.”
Jones said the total cost for the project is just below $148 million, representing a “significant investment in this regions connectivity, economy and safety.”
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers took the opportunity to break that figure down in terms of economic stimulus, saying, “The rule of thumb is this… on any construction project, you’re talking about one-third that is going to be going toward payroll. So, let’s just round this up to $150 million. That is $50 million dollars in payroll in Whitley and Laurel counties. What does that mean to this area? When you start talking about the circulation of money, it’s going to have an economic multiplier that this community really hasn’t seen in a while.”
Also present at Tuesday’s event was Rep. Ken Upchurch, who serves as Chairman of the Kentucky House Budget Subcommittee on Transportation.
“The advancement of the widening of I-75 between Whitley and Laurel counties is about far more than asphalt,” Upchurch said. “This widening is about adding capacity for economic growth, for tourism, for safer travel, and building a stronger connection between our communities and the rest of the Commonwealth.”
“Because we have focused on building a regional economy, these roads have become a way in for new businesses, and for visitors who want to experience our natural beauty, our hospitality, and our culture. It is a way in for opportunity.”
Speaking about the combined efforts of members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Upchurch said, “When we passed the road plan, we made a deliberate choice to invest in I-75. We did so not just because it’s a major transportation artery for our state, but because we know what it means for this region. We put dollars behind our commitment, and today’s milestone proves that we are seeing that commitment come to life.”
“The I-75 widening between Whitley and Laurel counties is part of a bigger vision. A vision of a fully connected six lane interstate running through southeastern and southern Kentucky. A vision where our transportation network is ready for the next 50 years.”
Kentucky Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jimmy Higdon echoed sentiments about the importance of teamwork, saying, “It truly takes both chambers working together to make something of this scale a possibility. In that spirit, one of the most important steps that we took in the last budget was transferring $450 million from the general fund to improving infrastructure in high-growth areas like London and Corbin, where the demand for roads continues to grow. That decision is paying off today as we celebrate another major step in modernizing I-75.”
Among the local elected officials who spoke Tuesday was Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, who said, “It’s just so exciting for our communities, and for the workers who will be working on this project. The amount of dollars that are going to [flood] into our communities… it’s truly hard to believe that I’m standing up here and that its actually happening.”
“We’re in a new day, and a new age,” Razmus added. “And it’s thanks to the vision of the leaders who have gotten us here, and their dedication to the people that they represent. I just want to say thank you, and let’s get to work!”
Later Tuesday, KYTC District 11 released a press release advising motorists that lane closures will take place in areas on I-75 northbound and southbound at mile points 23.2 and 28.9 beginning Wednesday, Aug. 13, until Wednesday, Sept. 3.
“The closures are needed to accommodate placement of barrier wall for widening and bridge work in the median of I-75 northbound and southbound. Lane widths will be restricted to 11 feet,” the release stated.
KYTC officials currently expect the project to be completed by Thursday, June 1, 2028.
