Governor Beshear breaks ground on Mountain Parkway Expansion in Wolfe County

Governor Andy Beshear joined state and local officials to break ground on another section of the Mountain Parkway Expansion in eastern Kentucky. While in Campton, the Governor also announced six projects totaling $3,681,827 in funding. The projects will benefit Breathitt, Lee, Magoffin and Wolfe counties.

Mountain Parkway Expansion

A project to widen 11 miles of the Mountain Parkway in Wolfe County is officially underway to support economic opportunities and safer, better connections in the region.

“The progress we’re making on the Mountain Parkway shows that we stand with Eastern Kentucky, and it is a significant bright spot in what has been a challenging summer for this region,” Gov. Beshear said. “The parkway is an important part of economic vitality for Appalachia. By widening the Mountain Parkway from two lanes to four, we’re delivering on a promise to improve safety, quality of life and connectivity in the region.”

This project is part of the Mountain Parkway Expansion, a plan for widening and extending 46 miles of the parkway from Campton in Wolfe County to Prestonsburg in Floyd County. The Wolfe County segment stretches from mile point 45.8 near Campton to just west of Exit 57 near Helechawa and includes the reconstruction of two interchanges: Kentucky Highway 191/Campton (Exit 46) and Kentucky Highway 1010/Hazel Green (Exit 53).

Since the Parkway Expansion project began in 2014, nearly 32 miles of parkway widening has been completed or is under construction.

“The Mountain Parkway has already been widened on either side of this construction project. Once complete, motorists will have 78 continuous miles of four-lane travel extending east from I-64 at Winchester to Salyersville,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray said.

Gov. Beshear is committed to building a better Kentucky through transportation to improve safety, spur the economy and improve the quality of life for Kentuckians. The $97.1 million Wolfe County project was kick-started when the Beshear administration secured a $55 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America, or INFRA, grant in 2020. The project was let for construction six months ahead of schedule and awarded to Bizzack Construction. It is expected to be complete by 2027.

“The Mountain Parkway Expansion project will aid in promoting tourism to our county and city,” Campton Mayor Kathi May said. “It will provide safer commutes for so many that travel to Lexington and Georgetown for employment. The expansion could potentially inspire future industrial growth to our area as well.”

“Today is a great day for Wolfe County! Not only are we celebrating breaking ground on the parkway project, but also a needed update at the park,” said Rep. Timmy Truett of McKee. “While very different, both projects are aimed at making improvements that will be felt for generations. They have been in the works for quite some time and have involved local, state and federal officials, and I appreciate playing a small role in celebrating today.”

KYTC is developing plans for the final two segments of the Mountain Parkway Expansion project between Salyersville and Prestonsburg. Final details are expected to be announced soon.