ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
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HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – Motorists traveling along Interstate 24 will soon see the addition of more median cable barriers in McCracken, Marshall and Christian counties.
During a ceremony at the I-24 welcome center in Hopkinsville today, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that work has begun on the $3.1 million, 24-mile installation project.
“Early in my administration, we had a serious problem – crossover crashes – and a shortage of money, but we were determined to do something about it,” Gov. Beshear said. “The solution we chose was cable barriers. We aggressively began deploying cable barrier systems, and the result has been a dramatic reduction in crossover crashes. That also means fewer medical expenses and liability, and most importantly, fewer funerals and heartbroken families.”
Placement of cable barriers is determined by traffic volume and crash data. Kentucky has more than 240 miles of barrier installed or in the process of installation — most of it along interstates and highways in urban areas. More rural areas have qualified to receive barriers under the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) due to the increase of those data factors.
This year, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has budgeted $6.1 million for median barrier installation. The cost per mile averages $140,000 to $150,000 per mile.
In Christian County, the project begins near the U.S. 41-Alternate exit 86 interchange (mile point 85.5) and extends to the Kentucky/Tennessee line (mile point 93.4). This particular section is a continuation of a nearly 16-mile installation project completed in July 2014.
The project was awarded to the George B. Stone Company, of Sharpsburg. Completion is expected in October 2014.
Over the last 3½ years, the Christian County stretch has witnessed 25 crossover collisions, four of which resulted in fatalities.