In 1978, a sequel to the classic movie Jaws hit theaters with the tag line, “just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.”
Friday afternoon, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet unveiled its sequel to the US25E congestion reduction project in the North Corbin area of Southern Laurel County, which could easily feature the tag line, “just when you thought it was safe to go back to the Exit 29 corridor.”
Much as the sequel to Jaws wasn’t quite as scary as the original, this sequel to the US25E congestion reduction project shouldn’t be quite as disruptive as its predecessor when it starts this weekend.
Between early July and late August, US25E along the Exit 29 corridor, between traffic signal No. 2, located at the northbound I-75 off-ramp, and extending to traffic signal No. 5, located at Lowe’s, was reduced to two-way, single-lane traffic on the northbound side of the roadway snarling traffic and causing significant travel delays.
Starting Sunday, Sept. 8, US25E along the Exit 29 corridor, between traffic signal No. 2 and extending to traffic signal No. 5 will be reduced to one lane of traffic going northbound and two lanes of traffic going southbound on the southbound side of the roadway.
The new traffic configuration will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday, and will remain in place until Wednesday, Oct. 30. The need for this traffic change is to allow for construction of concrete pavement and for widening of US25E in the southbound lanes.
The speed in this corridor remains at 35 miles per hour and due to traffic volumes and reduced lane capacities, expect long delays during this time period.
KYTC asks motorists to be aware of the work zone, expect significant delays, and to utilize safe driving habits when traveling through the area.
The date, time, and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.
Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application. You can also get traffic information for District 11 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict11 or by following District 11 on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict11.
