Project to add turning lane in front of Hanson Elementary to begin next week

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) says to help alleviate traffic congestion and improve the safety of vehicles going into and out of the front entrance of Hanson Elementary School (HES) in Hopkins County, the cabinet plans to begin construction of a new turning lane on KY 260, also known as Veterans Drive, next week.

The KYTC says the turning lane was included as part of the original design for the new HES, which opened in the fall of 2023, but work was not completed in time for the school's opening. KYTC has now partnered with Hopkins County Schools (HCS) to move the project forward.

Construction of KY 70 bridge in Hopkins County completed

Officials say on November 13, KYTC personnel will begin earthwork along the southern shoulder of Veterans Drive, on the east side of the HES entrance, between the school and Interstate 69. Most of this work will be off the side of the roadway and will not interfere with traffic, but motorists should anticipate occasional lane restrictions and flaggers as equipment is moved and work progresses.

KYTC project schedule for the week of November 3-9, 2024

According to officials, once KYTC completes preparation of the road base and has applied rock, a contractor hired by HCS will pave the entire roadway and add new traffic flow striping. When finished, eastbound traffic will shift slightly to the right as it passes HES, allowing room for a left-turn lane for traffic headed west from I-69.

Officials say an exact completion date for the project has not yet been set, but officials hope to have it finished this fall. Progress will depend heavily on the weather and temperatures, which can impact the availability of asphalt during late fall and early winter.