Kentucky will receive more than $13.6 million in federal grant funding to replace eight state-owned bridges along nine miles of US 60 in the eastern part of Bath County.
“The rehabilitation and construction of several bridges on US 60 in eastern Bath County will have a lasting positive impact on the county,” Bath County Judge/Executive Forrest “Frosty” McKenzie said. “This $13.6 million improvement will enhance daily travel for residents, support local businesses and agriculture, and ensure safer passage for emergency services and school transportation. Reliable infrastructure is vital for rural communities like ours.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) received funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP). The grant supports states seeking to bundle multiple bridge projects into a single project to enhance efficiency, saving construction time and money. This approach is estimated to save approximately $26 million and 14 years of construction time compared with replacing one bridge at a time through a traditional approach.
The grant will fund pre-construction and construction activities for the estimated $30.88 million project to replace the 1930s-era bridges. The remaining funding will come from a mix of other traditional transportation federal funding and state dollars.
Replacing the bridges will provide a safer, well-maintained US 60 to better connect Owingsville, eastern Bath County, Morehead and Rowan County with local schools, colleges, UK St. Claire Regional Medical Center, recreation and job centers across the region.
The project will also ensure travelers have a safe and reliable parallel detour should a major disruption occur on I-64. Guardrail and shoulder enhancements are also expected as part of the project.
“We’re thankful for this funding to preserve long-term connectivity in the region and key links to places like Morehead State University and Cave Run Lake,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Some of these bridges are approaching the end of their service life, and addressing all of them in one project can avoid the rest from slipping into poor condition and minimize future maintenance work.”
The project received strong support from federal, state and local officials, as well as emergency responders, economic development authorities and Morehead State University.
