Eastern Kentucky road will be wider, safer
SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2014) — More than 50 years after the Mountain Parkway opened, Gov. Steve Beshear and Eastern Kentucky leaders today marked the beginning of the Mountain Parkway Expansion — a 46-mile transformational construction project to improve mobility, safety and economic development in the Appalachian region.
“The long-promised and long-awaited expansion of the Mountain Parkway begins here and begins today,” Beshear said. “From this point east and west, we will build a wider, safer corridor for better connectivity and expanded commerce.”
Leaders unveiled signs being posted along the parkway in areas where work is underway. The first Mountain Parkway Expansion sign replaces one marking the current end of the thoroughfare at the intersection with U.S. 460 and Ky. 114.
Initial construction on the Mountain Parkway Expansion will begin in a matter of weeks just west of Salyersville — the widening of nearly six miles of the existing parkway from two to four lanes, the addition of a new interchange and the modernization of two existing interchanges.
The new Gifford Road interchange will provide access to the planned Magoffin County Industrial Park — a project expected to help bring more jobs and investments to the area. Redesign and reconstruction of the Exit 72 and 75 ramps will improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
The half-century-old parkway, which starts at Interstate 64 near Winchester, currently ends at its intersection with U.S. 460 in Salyersville. About one-third of the current parkway is a winding, two-lane road that restricts high-speed mobility and limits commerce and investment.
The plan calls for widening about 30 miles of existing parkway from two to four lanes, and extended beyond Salyersville along Ky. 114 to Prestonsburg.
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