New section of US 68 opens in Maysville

A new four-mile section of US 68 at Maysville opened Monday for all traffic.

The new highway connects traffic from the Clyde T. Barbour Parkway (US 68/US62) across a new AA Highway (KY 9) interchange near Downing Drive to the existing US 68 just south of Old Washington.

A planned opening in late December was rescheduled due to lighting issues.

Message boards will be in place this week to advise travelers. Motorists should travel with caution and note all directional signs while becoming familiar with the new route.

Traffic on existing US 68 approaching from Lexington may turn left onto the new roadway to connect to the AA Highway and Clyde T. Barbour Parkway. Or, traffic may continue straight to access US 62 at Washington and downtown Maysville.

At the new AA Highway interchange, traffic on the AA Highway approaching from Maysville may turn right at the new on-ramp to access US 68 East and the Clyde T. Barbour Parkway to reach the William Harsha Bridge.

Traffic needing access to US 68 West toward Lexington should turn left at the on-ramp just past the interchange. Traffic on the AA Highway approaching from Cincinnati may access US 68 using the same ramps. Dedicated left- and right-turn lanes are available.

Construction on the project began in September 2010 when the Transportation Cabinet awarded a $21.5 million contract to Eaton Asphalt Paving Co. to build the new limited-access highway.

During the last two years, work has included not only building the new roadway cross-country but also overpasses at US 62 and Clark’s Run Road and the AA Highway interchange.

The new US 68 is expected to increase highway system capacity and safety in the Maysville area by rerouting traffic away from already-congested routes and intersections.

Before construction, motorists using US 68 shared the same route and congested intersections as US 62 and the AA Highway through Maysville. Now, through traffic can continue directly along the US 68 corridor unimpeded while business traffic can easily access its former path into downtown Maysville.

–Jack Brammer

Filed Under: State Government