Five Locations Under Review for a New I-165 Interchange Between Owensboro and Hartford

What timing. Less than 18 hours after I was involved in a discussion about the need for an additional interchange on Interstate 165 between Hartford, Kentucky, and Owensboro, I've learned that it is on the table, and has been for a while.

A New Interstate 165 Interchange

Honestly, I think it's more than "on the table"; I think we're about to get "served." I've wanted a new connector to I-165 on that 23-mile-long stretch ever since it was the Green River Parkway, and it hasn't been that in 31 years.

When you're heading north on 165 and you get to the SR 69 interchange, it reminds me of those signs I've seen out west in the desert..."Last gas for X number of miles."

Emergency Vehicles Need a New I-165 Interchange

While any choice would make it more convenient for a number of drivers, safety is the driving force here, and that's as it should be. Legislators weighing in on the interchange all reference the difficult emergency vehicles face when getting to an accident site. Drivers see the wreck but have to drive a long distance to turn around and come back to it when time could be of the essence.

A survey conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization listed these five options...

Twenty-three miles doesn't sound like a lot, but it is one of the longest stretches of Kentucky interstate without an exit. No, it doesn't sound like a lot, but ask a motorist who uses I-165 regularly if it sounds like a lot.

I'm sure there will be no beating around the bush with that answer.