A major announcement was made Saturday morning in Leitchfield regarding the William Thomason Byway extension project.
Gov. Matt Bevin joined Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) state Highway Engineer Andy Barber, state Senator Steve Meredith, Grayson County Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson, former Leitchfield Mayor William Thomason, and City Council member Kelly Stevenson, among other local dignitaries, in announcing the bypass extension project has been fast-tracked. Officials said fast-tracking the project will shave at least six months from the original construction schedule.
Another result of the project being fast-tracked, Bevin announced, is that the right-of-way phase, costing approximately $5.8 million, will begin in early 2020. Construction work is expected to begin in calendar year 2022. Once complete, the two-lane byway will feature 12-foot driving lanes and eight-foot shoulders, officials said.
Bevin said moving the project forward is the result of significant land and funding contributions from local public and private partners to build the nearly 1.5-mile alignment that will stretch from Hwy 54 to Hwy 259.
Bel Brands USA hosted the announcement that garnered $600,000 in local land and cash donations from the city of Leitchfield, the Grayson County Fiscal Court, the Wabuck Development Company, and Scotty’s Contracting.
“We are excited today to announce a significantly expedited timeframe for this important Grayson County transportation project,” Bevin said. “The long-anticipated William Thomason Byway extension will provide enhanced safety, access and economic opportunity for this region of the state. We are grateful for the strong spirit of cooperation among numerous public and private entities which has enabled us to accelerate our progress.”
Bevin said safety and mobility are at the heart of the project, which also enhances the potential for expanded economic development in Grayson County.
“Anytime we can address safety challenges, improve commutes, and support business in one project, it’s a win-win,” Barber said. “We’re proud of the strong buy-in across multiple levels to accelerate progress on delivering a faster route that safely moves people, goods, and services in this part of the state.”
By connecting Hwy 62 and Hwy 54 to Hwy 259 and the Western Kentucky Parkway, the extension will decrease the need for trucks and other large equipment to navigate tight turns and Leitchfield’s Main Street roundabout on the Town Square. The project is also expected to reduce the number of crashes on Hwy 62 and Hwy 54 and enhance pedestrian safety by rerouting commercial vehicles around high-congestion areas.
“I am thrilled Governor Bevin continues to invest in the infrastructure of our rural communities,” Sen. Steve Meredith said. “We are fortunate to have a governor who understands expenditures of this magnitude will generate tremendous financial returns for our state as we lift up our communities economically. I am proud to work with him, along with our local leaders to build a better, stronger Kentucky.”
The bypass extension will offer access to approximately 330 acres of undeveloped land for future economic growth, while providing more efficient routes for local industrial facilities, Grayson County High School and Lawler Elementary School. The project will also remove the at-grade railroad crossing on Quarry Road, according to transportation officials.
Construction on the existing byway began in 2001 and was completed in 2004.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
