Mountain Parkway Expansion Update: State Officials Say ‘The End is in Sight’

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. – The long-awaited expansion of the Mountain Parkway in eastern Kentucky is drawing to a close. State officials addressed the issue in a press conference on Thursday, signaling an important step towards the final construction phase of the project.

The Final Stretch

According to Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, the end is near for the Mountain Parkway Expansion. The final 13-mile segment of the project, referred to as the Magoffin/Floyd section, has passed a crucial environmental review by the Federal Highway Administration. Following the positive findings, the state is ready to initiate the final steps of the highway’s expansion. Needless to say, the end of the line is welcome news for everyone involved.

Local Businesses Eager for the Completion

Prestonsburg’s local businesses are hopeful. The anticipated completion of the Parkway Expansion might attract more visitors to the area. Megan Williams, who works at an ice cream shop in Prestonsburg, shared her excitement about the project. She explained that while local communities enjoy visiting larger cities like Lexington, there are many people from these cities who appreciate the charm of smaller towns. The ease of access provided by the expanded Parkway could attract these visitors and benefit Prestonsburg’s local businesses.

Construction Timelines and Funding

Despite the excitement surrounding the update, construction timelines are still unknown. While the final segment is ready to go ahead, the project officials are still involved in the land acquisition and final design process. They confirmed that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) recently applied for a $116 million federal Multimodal Discretionary Grant Program, aimed at facilitating completion. However, it is not known when the construction will start or end.

Implications of the Parkway Expansion

While timelines remain uncertain, the impact of the Mountain Parkway Expansion could be significant. For over half a century, the project has been in the pipeline. Now, at last, the Mountain Parkway accommodation of higher traffic volumes and faster speed limits might soon be possible. The completion of the project will benefit commuters, enhance commercial transportation, and allow for increased economic development in the region.

Coleman’s announcement on Thursday was a small but significant step towards reaching that goal, and the people of Prestonsburg, along with the entire eastern Kentucky region, have a reason to celebrate.

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