By Brenna Angel, Building Kentucky
A project to improve safety and mobility along U.S. 641 in Lyon and Caldwell counties is moving forward following several years of study and public engagement. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will host an online public hearing for the project, “641 Connect: Eddyville to Fredonia,” at 6 p.m. CDT, Monday, July 19.
About 641 Connect: Eddyville to Fredonia
641 Connect, the culmination of 15 years of study and public involvement, will realign 9.2 miles of the U.S. 641 corridor as a four-lane highway. The July 19 public hearing will be held online via Zoom. Participants must register in advance through the project website at 641connect.com.
“Public input has been a driving force of this project over the years. During the online public hearing, residents and stakeholders can hear directly from the project team about the preferred route and findings of the 641 Connect environmental assessment. The project team will also collect public comments and input for the official record.”
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat
In 2019, KYTC engineers announced a preliminary preferred alternate route for U.S. 641 between Eddyville and Fredonia that maximizes the use of land owned by other state agencies. The preferred route has since been adjusted slightly near the Fredonia Valley Quarry to utilize a section of old railroad bed. Maps, the environmental assessment draft document, and other information are available for review on the project website.
Project Manager Chris Kuntz noted that KYTC has worked extensively with residents, property owners, business leaders and elected officials to review and study the U.S. 641 corridor and develop an appropriate route for the new highway.
“The existing two-lane highway between Eddyville and Fredonia has an above-average crash rate and was not designed to carry the large volume of commercial trucks that currently use the roadway. Improving safety for daily commuters and constructing a new highway that will meet qualifications to become a part of the National Truck Network is at the top of the project’s priority list.”
Project Manager Chris Kuntz
641 Connect will improve safety and economic development in the region. Once complete, the new roadway will link with another U.S. 641 improvement project between Fredonia and Marion, which opened to traffic in December 2018.
How to participate in the public hearing
To register to make a statement during the July 19 online public hearing, a written comment online, a verbal comment by phone or to review displays, go to 641Connect.com.
