The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) held a public information meeting to update residents and gather input on a safety enhancement project that includes the addition of roundabouts along US 68 from I-69-South ramps to US 641-South at Draffenville in Marshall County.
More than 120 citizens attended the session, which allowed participants to view a video and exhibits that outlined how roundabouts work and the specific route and placement of the roundabouts. Attendees also had the opportunity to talk directly with the project team and ask questions about how the proposal may impact them.
The US 68 Marshall County Roundabouts project will consist of adding four new roundabouts and two new U-turn lanes. Each new roundabout will replace an existing four-way, signalized intersection along the US 68 corridor, from I-69S to US 641S. As part of the project, a raised center median will also divide the east/west lanes of US 68 along the route to eliminate risky left-hand turns.
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat emphasized the project’s safety enhancements.
“Improving safety is our number one priority for this project, and roundabouts are a proven countermeasure for enhancing traffic safety and flow along highly-traveled roadways and intersections,” Poat said.
Along the one-mile-stretch of US 68 from I-69S to US 641S, there have been 148 crashes resulting in 21 injuries over the past five years. Poat said that 33% of the overall crashes and 40% of the injury crashes in that time frame could have been prevented if roundabouts and a raised center median had been in place.
KYTC has been exploring options to address significant safety concerns in this area since June 2020. KYTC and its project team considered and evaluated several other alternative proposals, but those options cost more; necessitated acquiring more land; reduced parking availability; potentially eliminated some businesses; and above all else—did not enhance safety as well as the proposed roundabouts.
A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection in which traffic moves counterclockwise around a center island. Roundabouts do not have traffic signals or stop signs, which allows for continuous traffic flow and increased vehicle capacity. During the meeting, residents also heard about the many benefits of roundabouts when compared to traditional intersections, such as enhancing traffic safety, flow and efficiency, and reducing drive time, pollution and taxpayer dollars.
Construction on the project, which is being funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), is expected to begin in 2024. Work will be phased in to minimize impacts to commuters, businesses and schools during construction.
For anyone who was unable to attend the public meeting, project renderings and other display materials are available online at US68roundabouts.com and at the KYTC District 1 Office in Paducah. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT. Comments will be accepted online and at the District 1 Office until March 28, 2023. Comments also may be submitted by mail before that date to Chris Kuntz, Branch Manager Project Development, KYTC District 1 Office, 5501 Kentucky Dam Rd., Paducah, KY 42003.
