Two major transportation projects have been announced in eastern Kentucky. The first is the U.S. 4-60 reconstruction project. This entails a new road being cut through the mountains from Pikeville to the Virginia state line. Officials say this will be safer and faster than the current narrow and winding route.
During a press conference last week, Governor Andy Beshear said this is a vital route for the region.
“You know that U.S. 460 is a major route and a key part of the Appalachian Development Highway that spans across 13 states to build an economic pathway to hard-to-reach areas.”
A $40 million dollar contract has been awarded to complete the final leg of the project.
Governor Beshear said the contract awarded to finish this project came in at just over $40 million dollars.
“Under this contract, crews will complete the roadbed from Marrowbone Bridge over Kentucky Highway 195 to Russell Fork Bridge near Beaver. It also will include resurfacing of all open and existing sections. The overall project will cut through the mountains at Pikeville to the Virginia state line.”
Currently, 11.5 miles of the corridor is open to traffic. The final 5.2 miles set to open in 2026. The other project is an access road is being built to the high-ground Skyview community in Perry County.
Skyview is one of seven identified high-ground sites in Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties, comprises 50 acres of donated land and is expected to be the site of about 150 homes.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
