I-71 Improvements:
Boone/Gallatin Line to Richwood
I-71 Improvements Alternatives
Two alternatives were evaluated during the study. Each involves widening I-71 from four to six lanes, replacing the existing median with a concrete median barrier wall, and providing appropriate lane capacity at the I-71/I-75 split. Adding capacity at this interchange will require an additional receiving lane both north and south along I-75 to Richwood and Walton.
The two alternatives differ in how they propose ramp connections and widening at the I-71/I-75 split, as well as how they correct deficiencies along I-71. A No-Build Alternative was also studied to provide a baseline for comparison.
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NOTE: The designs shown below are not final plans or configurations. They are part of the study process, and KYTC's engineering team will continue to refine them as the project progresses. Public input is a critical part of the development of a final design.
No-Build Alternative
The No-Build Alternative leaves the existing roadway as is. Projections show that congestion would worsen and more crashes could occur as area growth continues and traffic increases. In addition, the already-deficient roadway would progressively worsen as traffic grows and the roadway ages. Fatality rates could also increase as traffic from existing and future development continues to use the interchange. The No-Build Alternative is not recommended because it does not improve congestion or safety.
Build Alternatives
Two build alternatives have been studied for the improved configuration of I-71 from the Boone/Gallatin County line, through the I-71/75 split and to Richwood.
Alternative 1 Proposed Improvements (Recommended)
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Widens I-71 to the inside by one lane in each direction with a barrier wall from the Boone/Gallatin County line to I-75.
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At the I-71/I-75 Split:
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Keep the existing I-75 NB to I-71 SB loop ramp and add a deceleration lane to improve the safety of the diverge from I-75
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Add one lane to the ramp from I-71 N to I-75 N and the ramp from I-75 S to I-71 S
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Correct areas with shorter sight distances along I-71 to meet 70 mph design speed criteria
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Widen to the outside along I-75 by one lane northbound and one lane southbound to accommodate the increased capacity at the I-71/I-75 interchange
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Replace the KY 14 bridge at Verona over I-71
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Replace the KY 1292 bridge over I-71
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Reconfigure Chambers Road by replacing the existing culvert underpass north of the split with a new bridge over the interstate
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​Right of way impacts for Alternative 1 are estimated at 17 acres of farmland, primarily to create space to reconfigure Chambers Road.
Project Area Map
Alternative 2 Proposed Improvements
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Widen I-71 to the inside with a barrier wall along I-71 from the Boone/Gallatin County line to I-75.
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At the I-71/I-75 Split:
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Replace the I-75 N to I-71 S loop ramp with a direct flyover bridge
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Add one lane to the ramp from I-71 N to I-75 N and the ramp from I-75 S to I-71 S
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No correction for sight distances along I-71
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Widen to the outside along I-75 by one lane northbound and one lane southbound accommodate the increased capacity at the I-71/I-75 interchange
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Replace all bridges
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Reconfigure Chambers Road by replacing the existing culvert underpass north of the split with a new bridge over the interstate
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Right of way impacts for Alternative 2 are estimated at 18 acres of farmland, primarily to create space to reconfigure Chambers Road.
Alternative 1 is recommended because it:
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Addresses safety and capacity improvements.
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Addresses headlight sight distance along I-71 to accommodate 70 mph design speed.
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Is less expensive to construct, primarily because the existing loop ramp will not be replaced.
Project Documents
Proposed Alternative 1