CENTRAL CITY, KY (WFIE) -
Plans have been approved to widen US 62 in Central City, making the roadway through town four lanes.
Residents say there were even accidents on the road Wednesday, and they're just glad to see some changes coming in the near future.
"Well, you see several accidents," said Jimmy Dukes, who lives on US 62.
Dukes has lived off US 62 in Central City for about six years, and he says this is something that residents like himself have talked about for years.
"All in all it's just the hassle of getting in and out at certain times," Dukes said.
State Representative Brent Yonts says this project, worth over $16 million, will add two more lanes on US 62 from the old Wal-Mart to US 431.
Work also includes a new railroad bridge and turning lane. Yonts says, more than anything, it's a safety issue.
"You drive down there and you see people just run into the back of other cars, I saw it happen. It's a heavily traveled, narrow, two lane highway," Yonts said.
With a community college, the National Guard base, and several restaurants along 62, Yonts says adding the extra lanes, and a turning lane will alleviate some of the chaos. But with any widening project, it may affect homeowners.
"There are residences there, yes, there will be some property involvement. They will be compensated for that at the highest and best use," Yonts told 14 News.
Yonts says this project could bring economic and job growth throughout the city.
"It'll put some people to work, somebody building the road, somebody building a bridge, it'll help vendors in the area," said Yonts.
Another addition is sidewalks along the road, and Dukes says he's glad to see progress on this road.
"I think there will be a good solution, I'm not concerned about any negatives at all," said Dukes.
There's still a few years before construction begins on this project, but there is a public forum at the Madisonville Community College Muhlenberg campus later this month, and for more information on that meeting, click here.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
