Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks official opening of new section US31E

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts, center, cuts the ribbon to official open the new section of US31E from the intersection of KY 509 to just south of Whitney Stables. Watts was joined by state Rep. David Floyd and state Sen. Jimmy Higdon and others.

Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010 — Though the new section of US31E has been open since Friday, Nov. 19, its official

dedication was held Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 23 at a paved area across from the In & Out Market located at the southern end of the new highway. The short ceremony was attended by local elected officials and representatives from the contractor as well as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

State Rep. David Floyd complimented the contractor and engineers and said the new road is a huge improvement in safety and will save many lives.

State Sen. Jimmy Higdon praised the transportation cabinet engineers for their contribution to the project.

“We’re very fortunate to have those folks on this project,” he said. “Now that this part is open, we’ll work very hard to get this next stretch completed, that’s our goal.”

Judge Executive Dean Watts said it was important to put the opening of the new section in historical perspective.

“This opening is the culmination of the work by two governors, two state representatives and a team of magistrates all working together,” Watts said. “This is a safety issue for all the GE workers, Ford workers and anyone who works in Louisville.”

Watts said that the highway is dedicated to those who have lost their life on the highway and to the families they left behind.

Watts recounted how his father drove US31E for 38-1/2 years to GE every workday, and would have appreciated seeing the progress on improving the highway. “He would be standing right here today and I know he would be very proud of this project.”

Patty Dunaway, chief district engineer, told the Gazette there remains some final work to tie-in the new section of the road with the existing US31E, and that work is continuing as long as the weather cooperates. There will likely be a punch list of items to complete in the spring like seeding and straw.

“For the most part the hard work is done and we’re doing the clean-up that’s left,” Dunaway said.

When asked about development along the new section, Dunaway said the roadway will have be under “partial control access,” which means the state will have to examine requests for access points — like driveways — and set those access points.  Adding entrances like driveways along the new roadway would likely create new safety concerns, Dunaway said.

For residents of the old section of US31E, Dunaway said the state and county will likely work together on snow removal this winter. Transferring the old road to county control and maintenance likely won’t take place until sometime early next year, she said.

In addition to Floyd, Higdon and Watts, 4th District Magistrate Jeff Lear, 5th District Magistrate Jerry Hahn attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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