By Amy Ellis abiggs@franklinfavorite.com Assistant Editor Machines moved earth Tuesday afternoon between southbound and northbound lanes on I-65 in Simpson County.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Travelers passing through Simpson County on I-65 may experience some slight inconveniences over the several months. But, the possible delays will be well worth the wait.

A major portion of I-65 is being widened from four to six lanes from Bowling Green through Franklin to the Tennessee state line. A portion of the interstate in Warren County that went from Cemetery Road to Carter Sims Road was the first section to be completed during the current project.

Work on the section in Simpson County, which goes from the Tennessee state line to mile point 5.8 just south of Exit 6, is currently under way. The contract was awarded in April to Scotty & Murphy Construction for approximately $49 million, according Keirsten Jaggers, public information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3.

The last three sections of the interstate to be completed are from 0.90 mile south of Ky. 100 to 1.07 mile south of Salem Road overpass, from 1.07 mile south of Salem Road overpass to 0.14 mile north of KY 240 overpass in Warren County, and from 0.14 mile north of KY 240 overpass in Warren County to 0.14 mile north of the Sims Road overpass.

At this time, there isn’t a schedule for completion of the remaining sections, Ms. Jaggers said.

State Rep. Rob Wilkey, the transportation budget committee chairman in the state House, said the remaining contracts to complete the widening of the interstate project from Franklin to Bowling Green should be awarded over the next two years.

Wilkey said about $150 million is being spent on road improvements projects, including the I-65 work, during the next two years.

The project also includes widening Ky. 100 east to seven lanes at the I-65 interchange to handle anticipated growth and reworking both interchanges in Simpson County.

The portion of I-65 that runs through Simpson County carries an average of 45,000 vehicles per day. Once the widening project is completed, I-65 will be six lanes from the Tennessee state line to about half way between Bowling Green and Elizabethtown.