The Kentucky General Assembly can only fund the road plan in two-year increments, however the full six-year plan sent to the State Senate would entail spending more than $220 million to replace the bridge and to widen U.S. 68/Ky. 80 in Land Between the Lakes, said Brian Wilkerson, communications director for State Rep. John Tilley.
“This would be a tremendous asset for the county and the region,” said Tilley, who along with Rep. Melvin Henley represents the county. “Trigg County has waited a long time to see this bridge project become a reality.”
Henley said that the bridge projects for both Barkley and Kentucky lakes would see progress under the six-year plan.
“The sooner we can get these built, the sooner our region will benefit from the growth in tourism they will undoubtedly bring, Henley said.
Lake Barkley Park Manager John Jordan has said construction of the two bridges could help bring much-needed jobs to Trigg County and the surrounding area.
The new four-lane bridges along Highway 68/80 would replace the current two-lane bridges that were first built in 1932, and would be built near the current bridges’ locations at Aurora and Canton.
By the middle of 2009, work on final designs is supposed to begin, and by 2011, construction is set to begin, Project Manager Tim Shoate said at a public hearing held at the Lake Barkley Convention Center Nov. 20.
(For the rest of the story, check out this week’s edition of The Cadiz Record.)
