LANGLEY, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a $34 million road project that will complete the last section of a long-awaited connector highway between the Eastern Kentucky communities of Minnie and Harold.
Completing the connector’s remaining 2.89 miles of the 14.89-mile connector, Kentucky Hwy. 680, will reduce the drive time between Hazard and Pikeville by about 45 minutes and provide a direct route between two of the most heavily traveled roads in Eastern Kentucky: Kentucky Hwy. 80 at Minnie to U.S. Hwy. 23 at Harold.
The project began in 1991.
“We are ready for work to begin to improve the quality of life and increase opportunities in Eastern Kentucky,” said Beshear, who presented a ceremonial check for the project in the amount of Bizzack Construction Co.’s low bid of $34,108,260. “The people of Floyd County, and surrounding communities, have been waiting a long time for completion of the Minnie to Harold connector, and I am proud to say the end finally is in sight.”
In addition to shortening drive times, the new route will provide an effective detour route in the event of emergency closure of either U.S. 23 or KY 80 because it can handle large vehicles. The contractor is expected to begin work within weeks on the new route from Little Mud Creek to Tackett Branch.
