Changes are soon coming to the William H. Natcher Parkway, as the roadway begins the process of becoming an I-65 spur, and being renamed I-165.
Over the next few weeks, work crews will install shield signs along the roadway from Bowling Green to Owensboro, a 72-mile stretch.
Since the $34 million initiative was announced two-and-a-half years ago by Gov. Matt Bevin and Congressman Brett Guthrie, improvements have been made and continue to be made on the roadway in order to conform to federal interstate standards.
The parkway’s transformation into an I-65 spur is being completed in phases, the first of which involved construction at exit 6 of the parkway at U.S. 31-W and exit 7 at Hwy 68, in Bowling Green. To gain the interstate designation, each of the exit ramps must be extended for safer transitions.
The corridor requires other extensive work, including upgrading guardrails, improving lighting and bridge wall components and cutting back potentially hazardous rock.
The parkway’s interchanges at Hwy 69 in Ohio County, Hwy 231 near Cromwell in Butler County, and the Hwy 231 in Warren County, will undergo re-construction as the interchanges were formally toll booth locations. New exit numbers will also be installed at 11 interchanges.
“The official designation and signing of the I-165 corridor is an exciting milestone for western Kentucky and the entire Commonwealth,” Gov. Bevin said about the economic project. “With direct interstate connectivity, communities all along this corridor are well positioned for economic development opportunities and sustained growth. In addition to being economically transformational for the region, the physical upgrades to the roadway will enhance the safety and overall commute for those traveling along I-165.”
(Some information in this article was provided by WKYU.com, the Bowling Green Daily News and WBKO.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
