A federal earmark of $45 million has been approved to help fund a new bypass road in Pulaski County.
The Somerset Northern Bypass is part of a plan to create a four-lane highway through southern and eastern Kentucky, connecting the Hal Rogers and Cumberland Parkways.
The funding was secured as part of this year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act, an annual spending bill passed by Congress.
“This new bypass is the next step to creating a four-lane expressway through our region to generate more economic development and tourism opportunities, with safer and more accessible roads,” Representative Hal Rogers said in a release.
The bypass would connect the interchange at Kentucky Route 461, which was completed last year, and Kentucky Route 80 in Pulaski County.
Funding for the bypass is also included in the most recent state transportation budget proposals. The state’s Six-Year Road Plan is currently up for discussion in the Senate’s Committee on Transportation.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
