Kentucky Transportation Cabinet KY 52 Relocation, Madison County, KY
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) awarded GRW this 6-mile segment of KY 52 near Richmond, KY in June of 2007 and design work started in August of 2013. GRW Aerial Surveys flew it and provided the aerial mapping for the project. The project begins near Wallace Mill Road and terminates near KY 2881 (Caleast Road) at the Duncannon Lane Interchange with Interstate 75. This rural 2-lane relocation/reconstruction project is one of several that provides a better linkage between I-75 in Madison County through Lancaster and the City of Danville. The Preliminary Design phase for this project included the development of three (3) corridors with a total of six (6) alternate alignments.
GRW carefully considered numerous design issues in the selection of alternate locations such as cost-effectiveness, historic and environmental impacts, property impacts, and utility impacts. Public involvement was a key factor in the development of this project. GRW assisted KYTC District 7 personnel with public meetings, including organizing the comments and responses. Numerous culturally and environmentally sensitive areas were avoided within the project corridor – including the historic Peytontown District.
The GRW highway team worked diligently with the District during the final design phase to help correct the deficient geometry and alleviate safety concerns in the area by providing an efficient and cost-effective design. The project was let in June of 2022 and construction was completed in January of 2025.
Project Elements:
• Existing rural 2-lane corridor with segments of very narrow county roadway.
• Proposed design improved safety by smoothing out steep vertical curves and widening the shoulders and clear zone to match the adjacent sections.
• Complex Maintenance of Traffic was necessary to minimize Right-of-Way impacts.
• Existing bridge replaced with new bridge which stays out of the floodplain.
• Steep terrain required accurate alignment placement to minimize cuts/fills.
• Property owner impacts were minimized on this rural roadway by listening to the owners’ concerns during alternate development.
• Historic properties, wetlands, and other environmental constraints were defined early in the project to avoid and minimize impacts.
• Development of part of a major travel and freight route from I-75 in Madison County through Lancaster and the City of Danville.