Kentucky

[Great Lakes Roads]

KYTC is reducing the speed limit on the Owensboro bypass (US 60) from 65 to 55.

Why?

[bandit957]

KYTC is reducing the speed limit on the Owensboro bypass (US 60) from 65 to 55.

Why?

Because it bips.

[Revive 755]

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

[Dirt Roads]

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

In my recollection (which is not so good anymore), one of the past governors tried to overhaul many/all of the commonwealth's Cabinets with state equivalents, including KYTC.  But I can find no record of it.  (Once upon a time, Wikipedia pages for governmental entities kept a running list of former agency names but that has sanitized recently).  There are plenty of references to KYDOT on M.T.R in the early-to-mid 2000's (many from DOT employees, some of which whom are here on AARoads), but in some of those threads someone also referred to KYTC). 

[hbelkins]

KYTC is reducing the speed limit on the Owensboro bypass (US 60) from 65 to 55.

Why?

"Safety"

[hbelkins]

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

In my recollection (which is not so good anymore), one of the past governors tried to overhaul many/all of the commonwealth's Cabinets with state equivalents, including KYTC.  But I can find no record of it.  (Once upon a time, Wikipedia pages for governmental entities kept a running list of former agency names but that has sanitized recently).  There are plenty of references to KYDOT on M.T.R in the early-to-mid 2000's (many from DOT employees, some of which whom are here on AARoads), but in some of those threads someone also referred to KYTC). 

Within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, there are a number of departments. One of them is the Department of Highways.

I think the "cabinet" designation for state agencies dates back to the term of John Y. Brown, Jr., who was governor from December 1979-December 1983.

Beneath the governor is the Secretary of the Executive Cabinet, and beneath that person are the individual cabinet secretaries.

Kentucky's government organization breaks down as follows:

Cabinet (secretary)
Department (commissioner)
Division (director)

Those are political appointees. Below them are:

Branch (manager)
Section (supervisor)
Unit (I'm not sure, but I think the head of a unit is called a leader, but in KYTC the individual garages are called units and the boss is formally called "superintendent II" but informally called "foreman.")

Those are all merit system employees.

[Dirt Roads]

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

In my recollection (which is not so good anymore), one of the past governors tried to overhaul many/all of the commonwealth's Cabinets with state equivalents, including KYTC.  But I can find no record of it.  (Once upon a time, Wikipedia pages for governmental entities kept a running list of former agency names but that has sanitized recently).  There are plenty of references to KYDOT on M.T.R in the early-to-mid 2000's (many from DOT employees, some of which whom are here on AARoads), but in some of those threads someone also referred to KYTC). 

I think the "cabinet" designation for state agencies dates back to the term of John Y. Brown, Jr., who was governor from December 1979-December 1983.

Are you implying that KYDOT was the official department name prior to Phyllis George taking office as sportscaster-in-chief?  Perhaps those signs are older than that (even though they don't look so old).  (And for the record, the short time that I worked in Ashland was during the John Y. Brown era).

[Revive 755]

KYTC is reducing the speed limit on the Owensboro bypass (US 60) from 65 to 55.

Why?

"Safety"

For the local coffers?

It's been many years since I've been on the Owensboro Bypass but going off Google Maps it doesn't look that badly constructed.  I don't see any super short/non-existent acceleration lanes or super-tight loop ramps.  Lowering the speed limit on the whole thing, plus going right to 55 over trying it at 60 seems arbitrary.

[Rothman]

KYTC is reducing the speed limit on the Owensboro bypass (US 60) from 65 to 55.

Why?

"Safety"

For the local coffers?

It's been many years since I've been on the Owensboro Bypass but going off Google Maps it doesn't look that badly constructed.  I don't see any super short/non-existent acceleration lanes or super-tight loop ramps.  Lowering the speed limit on the whole thing, plus going right to 55 over trying it at 60 seems arbitrary.

KYTC has reported an increase in crashes on the corridor since raising the speed limit from 55 to 65 in 2017:

https://www.owensborotimes.com/news/2026/06/speed-limit-on-owensboro-bypass-to-drop-to-55-mph-starting-wednesday/

[mvak36]

Wasn't this bypass and the Audubon Parkway going to be an auxiliary route of I-69 at some point? Is that not happening anymore? Going off of the above posts, it sounds like there are quite a few upgrades needed to make it interstate standard.

[seicer]

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

In my recollection (which is not so good anymore), one of the past governors tried to overhaul many/all of the commonwealth's Cabinets with state equivalents, including KYTC.  But I can find no record of it.  (Once upon a time, Wikipedia pages for governmental entities kept a running list of former agency names but that has sanitized recently).  There are plenty of references to KYDOT on M.T.R in the early-to-mid 2000's (many from DOT employees, some of which whom are here on AARoads), but in some of those threads someone also referred to KYTC). 

I think the "cabinet" designation for state agencies dates back to the term of John Y. Brown, Jr., who was governor from December 1979-December 1983.

Are you implying that KYDOT was the official department name prior to Phyllis George taking office as sportscaster-in-chief?  Perhaps those signs are older than that (even though they don't look so old).  (And for the record, the short time that I worked in Ashland was during the John Y. Brown era).

Both signs appear to be newer (in the Google Streetview). Then there is this newer sign for Kentucky DOH in District 6 on US 60 that was replaced in 2022 that was for Kentucky DOT. I remember both being white signs with black text reading for Kentucky DOT.

[GCrites]

The way signs rot today a sign from the '90s would probably be toast.

[hbelkins]

Wasn't this bypass and the Audubon Parkway going to be an auxiliary route of I-69 at some point? Is that not happening anymore? Going off of the above posts, it sounds like there are quite a few upgrades needed to make it interstate standard.

There used to be signs on the Audubon Parkway designating it as a future I-69 spur, but they've been gone for around 10 years now.

What's the difference between the KYTC and KYDOT?
Sign with KYDOT on the Mountain Parkway

Another sign with KY DOT at the EB Mountain Parkway exit to KY 213

In my recollection (which is not so good anymore), one of the past governors tried to overhaul many/all of the commonwealth's Cabinets with state equivalents, including KYTC.  But I can find no record of it.  (Once upon a time, Wikipedia pages for governmental entities kept a running list of former agency names but that has sanitized recently).  There are plenty of references to KYDOT on M.T.R in the early-to-mid 2000's (many from DOT employees, some of which whom are here on AARoads), but in some of those threads someone also referred to KYTC). 

I think the "cabinet" designation for state agencies dates back to the term of John Y. Brown, Jr., who was governor from December 1979-December 1983.

Are you implying that KYDOT was the official department name prior to Phyllis George taking office as sportscaster-in-chief?  Perhaps those signs are older than that (even though they don't look so old).  (And for the record, the short time that I worked in Ashland was during the John Y. Brown era).

I remembered that I still have the displays from KYTC's centennial in 2012 in my office.

It was established as the Department of Public Roads in 1912. In 1920 it was  reorganized as the Department of State Roads and Highways. In 1934 it became the Department of Highways.

In March 1973, under Gov. Wendell Ford, it became the Department of Transportation. "The new organizational structure combines all modes of transportation into one department -- enabling state government to effectively and efficiently plan for all public travel needs," according to the display. The agency's seal contains the phrase "Unification Through Transportation."

It was in 1982 that the state legislature reorganized the Department of Transportation into the Transportation Cabinet. Incidentally, the first logo for the agency referred to it as only "KTC," not "KYTC."

[jnewkirk77]

The speed limit decrease is really a cop-out, all kidding aside. Owensboro drivers, flatly, suck. If people here would simply:

• pay attention to something besides their phones
• have a little courtesy
• bone up on the basics of Kentucky's driving laws
• learn what the stalk on the left side of the steering column does, and how and when to use it

... you'd eliminate 80% of the crashes on 60 and elsewhere in Owensboro.

KYTC is planning to bid out a project to install cable barriers in the median this fall. There are some other spot improvements that could be of help, but that alone will help significantly reduce the crossover crashes that have been more prevalent lately.

[hbelkins]

The US 51/60/62 bridge between Wickliffe and Cairo is closed indefinitely. A bearing pad on the Kentucky approach shifted out of place, causing the bridge deck to become misaligned by approximately two to three inches at an expansion joint.

https://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1/posts/pfbid02LEPx5fm8ktdm3oQVxrPiHkKMt2Z8Fyh5xK84dAjord7WdTkPqG64NmECcFxo8afMl?__cft__

• =AZaoY0RZc56jRKJkSOXO3_3l9vofATHv7bVR2T5tuNKHN8UEZsbUCdcokb8M0Trr_fk5XhoXHD2Iycv1IOEFJI8_pzxmU6KMDwde8tWVcP0xBU2LJusGO43Yu_UbS693QT74LOWYmJVr4SVIs0OK4-fG9Uhw16dkPk_XmaL6vxUG87diurI9CuCUWUNAxdDrdVg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

[XamotCGC]

I was traveling on KY 2154 in Marion County and I had my first encounter with a automated flagman; it's like a traffic light with red light and orange light. I'm just wondering if Kentucky are replacing Human flagman with the stop and slow sign with the automated machines. I also want to say I like roundabouts. Traffic time in springfield at the KY 55, KY555, US 150 Bus intersection is much shorter then compared to stop lights.

[74/171FAN]

I was traveling on KY 2154 in Marion County and I had my first encounter with a automated flagman; it's like a traffic light with red light and orange light. I'm just wondering if Kentucky are replacing Human flagman with the stop and slow sign with the automated machines. I also want to say I like roundabouts. Traffic time in springfield at the KY 55, KY555, US 150 Bus intersection is much shorter then compared to stop lights.

We already have a thread on the automatic flagman. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=36451.0)

[74/171FAN]

I was traveling on KY 2154 in Marion County and I had my first encounter with a automated flagman; it's like a traffic light with red light and orange light. I'm just wondering if Kentucky are replacing Human flagman with the stop and slow sign with the automated machines. I also want to say I like roundabouts. Traffic time in springfield at the KY 55, KY555, US 150 Bus intersection is much shorter then compared to stop lights.

We already have a thread on the automatic flagman. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=36451.0)

[akt85]

The US 51/60/62 bridge between Wickliffe and Cairo is closed indefinitely. A bearing pad on the Kentucky approach shifted out of place, causing the bridge deck to become misaligned by approximately two to three inches at an expansion joint.

https://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1/posts/pfbid02LEPx5fm8ktdm3oQVxrPiHkKMt2Z8Fyh5xK84dAjord7WdTkPqG64NmECcFxo8afMl?__cft__

• =AZaoY0RZc56jRKJkSOXO3_3l9vofATHv7bVR2T5tuNKHN8UEZsbUCdcokb8M0Trr_fk5XhoXHD2Iycv1IOEFJI8_pzxmU6KMDwde8tWVcP0xBU2LJusGO43Yu_UbS693QT74LOWYmJVr4SVIs0OK4-fG9Uhw16dkPk_XmaL6vxUG87diurI9CuCUWUNAxdDrdVg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

That will be one long detour trying to get to Paducah from Missouri. There has to be a shorter way than taking I-57 all the way to I-24 and cutting down that way.

[Revive 755]

That will be one long detour trying to get to Paducah from Missouri. There has to be a shorter way than taking I-57 all the way to I-24 and cutting down that way.

There's the combination of Mounds Road (Exit 8), IL 37, IL 169, and US 45 which is about 34 miles shorter per Google.  There's also a combination of back roads south of IL 169, but with a much higher potential of missing a turn or two.

[Plutonic Panda]

A 5 mile stretch of I-65 in Louisville is set to close for 2 months:

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20Central%20Corridor%20Closure%20Begins%20June%201%20to%20Replace%203%20Bridges.pdf

Looks like this will be reopening ahead of schedule!

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20to%20Reopen%20Ahead%20of%20Schedule.pdf

[Great Lakes Roads]

A 5 mile stretch of I-65 in Louisville is set to close for 2 months:

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20Central%20Corridor%20Closure%20Begins%20June%201%20to%20Replace%203%20Bridges.pdf

Looks like this will be reopening ahead of schedule!

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20to%20Reopen%20Ahead%20of%20Schedule.pdf

Towards the end of this news release from KYTC is this:

A total of nine bridges on the I-65 corridor are being replaced or rehabilitated as part of the project. The first three bridges are those most in need of repair. The additional six bridges are the I-65 bridges over Liberty Street, Floyd Street, Chestnut Street, Jacob Street/Broadway/Gray Street, Muhammad Ali Boulevard/Brook Street (known locally as "Hospital Curve") and the Muhammad Ali Boulevard on-ramp.

The best approach to replacing or rehabilitating those bridges is being identified. It will include a phased approach with lane restrictions in place. An updated timeline for project completion will be available when the approach is final.

I'm betting that I-65 through downtown Louisville will be under construction for another 2-3 years.

[I-55]

A 5 mile stretch of I-65 in Louisville is set to close for 2 months:

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20Central%20Corridor%20Closure%20Begins%20June%201%20to%20Replace%203%20Bridges.pdf

Looks like this will be reopening ahead of schedule!

https://transportation.ky.gov/NewsRoom/I-65%20to%20Reopen%20Ahead%20of%20Schedule.pdf

Towards the end of this news release from KYTC is this:

A total of nine bridges on the I-65 corridor are being replaced or rehabilitated as part of the project. The first three bridges are those most in need of repair. The additional six bridges are the I-65 bridges over Liberty Street, Floyd Street, Chestnut Street, Jacob Street/Broadway/Gray Street, Muhammad Ali Boulevard/Brook Street (known locally as "Hospital Curve") and the Muhammad Ali Boulevard on-ramp.

The best approach to replacing or rehabilitating those bridges is being identified. It will include a phased approach with lane restrictions in place. An updated timeline for project completion will be available when the approach is final.

I'm betting that I-65 through downtown Louisville will be under construction for another 2-3 years.

It'll turn into I-75 through Dayton which I cannot ever remember not being under construction during my lifetime. Not surprised that all of the bridges need work around the same time since they were likely built around the same time.