Area, the bridges will be about eight miles apart, connected by a new four-lane section of US 68/KY 80 now under construction. They will replace two bridges that were opened to traffic in 1932 - the Eggner's Ferry Bridge across Kentucky Lake at Aurora and the Lawrence Memorial Bridge across Lake Barkley at Canton.
According to Jim LeFevre, chief district engineer of Department of Highways District 1, the public meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., CST, at the Lake Barkley State Resort Park Conference Center.
The public will be invited to provide verbal or written comments following a 6:00 p.m. presentation. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers and bridge design consultants will be available to answer questions. Handouts and displays containing information about the project also will be available.
To make the best use of limited state highway funding, the Transportation Cabinet is reviewing every project for "practical solutions" that will save taxpayer money without compromising safety.
LeFevre noted that the Lake Bridges Project is no exception.
"This meeting will focus on funding issues and applying solutions to reduce costs," LeFevre said. "This is an opportunity to voice your opinions. We're hoping for a good turnout."
In addition to written and oral comments during the meeting, comments will be accepted at the Lake Bridges Project Web site www.lakebridges.com.
An appointed executive selection committee will make the final decision on a bridge design type.
Information and exhibits shared at the public meeting will be available for 15 days after the meeting at the District 1 office in Paducah. Once compiled, the official meeting record will be made available for review and copying through an open records request.
The Lake Bridges Project Team encourages community members to participate in the bridge type Selection process by attending the meeting to contribute suggestions.
Anyone with a disability who wishes to attend the meeting can contact Tim Choate by November 14th to arrange assistance. Please call (800) 338-4283 or mail your request to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 5501 Kentucky Dam Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
