Traffic ADVISORY

As river levels continue to drop, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers believe a number of key transportation connections will reopen over the next 48 hours or so.  Some may reopen in time for the Monday morning commute.

Based on the latest river gauge readings and the river stage forecast, engineers anticipate being able to open KY 365 at the Crittenden-Union County Line around 8:00 a.m., Sunday morning.  This is dependent on floodwaters dropping sufficiently to allow the approach to the KY 365 Tradewater River Bridge at the edge of Sturgis to be inspected for erosion damage.

Preliminary safety inspections indicate floodwaters have not damaged the roadway or bridge at this location.  Engineers caution motorists that some water may remain on the roadway through the day Sunday, but is expected to drop off before dark.

The reopening of KY 365 would be the only Tradewater River crossing between the Western Kentucky Parkway at Dawson Springs and the Ohio River.  It will provide a welcomed relief for area commuters who have faced extended detours of a hundred miles or more to get to and from work.

At the height of the flooding a 23 mile trip from Marion to Sturgis required a 130 mile detour.  With gas prices hovering at $4 a gallon commuters have attempted to cross flooded highways, and in some cases endangered themselves and others by moving road closed signs.

Again, KY 365 at the Crittenden-Union County Line is expected to reopen at 8:00 a.m., Sunday.

Meanwhile, US 60 is likely to remain closed between Sullivan and Marion until late Monday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to begin work on US 60 at Tradewater River Bridge early Monday.  This is at the 23 mile marker in Crittenden County.

Work to clear gravel that was put down in an effort to maintain emergency access two weeks ago will start at approximately 8:00 a.m., Monday. 

Highway officials are advising commuters who have been parking on the roadway and boating across floodwaters at the site to be sure to avoid blocking the roadway Monday.

At noon today there were approximately 8 vehicles parked in the roadway blocking access by highway crews.  Highway personnel will require unobstructed access to the job site to go about their work to reopen the roadway on Monday. 

We also have the following changes to the Water Over Road Report:

Crittenden County
KY 295 is open between Dycusburg and the Crittenden-Lyon County Line.

KY 387 Open
KY 838 Open
KY 135 Open from Ky 293/Elizabethtown Landing Road to Carrsville
KY 135 Open at Tolu

McCracken County
KY 450/Oaks Road 0-2mm Open at McCracken-Graves Co. Line

KYTC engineers are asking motorists to continue to be safety-minded and avoid driving through flooded highways, especially at night.  It's not worth losing you car or you life by trying to save a few dollars worth of gas.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
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Keith Todd
Public Information Officer
KY Transportation Cabinet
District 1 & 2

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