Mobility and safety improvements planned between Salyersville and Paintsville
Two public meetings are planned in April to introduce a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) project that is expected to improve regional mobility and safety along US 460 between Salyersville and Paintsville.
Additional passing and turning lanes will improve traffic flow and safety and reduce crashes in the area. The meeting will provide an overview of the project and outline next steps.
In-Person Meetings
Tuesday, April 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m. EST-Johnson Central High School
257 N Mayo Trail | Paintsville, KY
Thursday, April 9 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. EST-Magoffin County High School
1100 Tom Frazier Way | Salyersville, KY
The in-person meetings will be open house format and offer an opportunity for one-on-one conversations with members of the Project Development Team for attendees to share their feedback. All meeting materials, including a questionnaire, will be posted on KYTC District 10 and District 12 webpages following the meetings.
With advance notice, KYTC can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English-speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers or large print.
Should special accommodation be needed, please contact Berry Craig, public involvement specialist, at (270) 705-1640, or email berry.craig@parsons.com
Improving US 460
Improving US 460 will address regional mobility and safety along 14 miles of US 460 between Salyersville and Paintsville. The corridor has higher crash rates than statewide averages, including injury and fatal crashes.
Additional passing and turning lanes using a 2+1 design will improve traffic flow and safety to reduce crashes in the area. A 2+1 design adds additional lanes and improves safety without widening the existing roadway. Planned improvements include two lanes with additional alternating passing lanes throughout the entire corridor.
Two alternatives are being evaluated which consider different lane and shoulder widths.
Additional widening and turn-lanes at various intersections are also being evaluated.
Innovative Solutions: 2+1 Design
A 2+1 roadway is a cost-effective solution to provide safer passing zones. It’s a three-lane highway with one lane in each direction and an additional alternating middle lane. The middle lane changes direction every few miles, providing dedicated passing zones to remove the risk of passing in the opposing lane to overtake slower traffic.
Benefits of a 2+1 roadway include:
- Safety: By providing passing opportunities and separating opposing traffic with a three-foot buffer, there are fewer chances for sideswipe and head-on collisions.
- Cost effectiveness: Upgrading US 460 to a 2+1 design requires no widening, only shoulder strengthening and striping.
- Traffic flow: Additional lanes let drivers pass slower vehicles safely, improving flow and reducing congestion.
- Intersection improvements: Transition zones offer opportunities to improve intersection safety and operations.
Anticipated Timeline
Improving US 460 is in the environmental and preliminary design stage. Activities include traffic analysis, maintenance of traffic plans, road design, and survey work. The Project Development Team is coordinating with local, state and federal officials.