PADUCAH, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2021) — A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans asphalt paving along U.S. 641 through downtown Benton starting Friday, October 29, 2021.
This work zone along U.S. 641 runs from mile point 7.98 near the Town Creek Bridge extending northward through downtown Benton to mile point 8.824 at the KY 348/5th Street intersection, a distance of about 8/10ths of a mile. It includes all of the one-way sections along Main Street and Poplar Street in Benton.
Traffic has been running on base courses of asphalt as construction progressed. The contractor now plans to place the final asphalt driving surface along the work zone and around the court square. The contractor will also be completing some concrete entrances.
There will be no on-street parking in areas with construction activity. Some short detours via side streets may be required to facilitate paving at some locations.
Delays are possible during the movement and placement of equipment. Motorists should be alert for flaggers directing traffic and trucks hauling materials into and out of the worksite.
To speed the paving process, motorists are asked to use an alternate route whenever possible. There is a 25 mile per hour work zone speed limit.
Earlier this year, the U.S. 641 reconstruction project through downtown Benton had to be extended when engineers determined there was insufficient gravel base under several sections of the roadway. The target completion date was moved to this fall to allow placement of reinforced concrete pavement along the areas with base issues.
Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $3,325,189 highway improvement project. What is expected to be the final round of finish paving is expected to take about 10 days to complete, weather permitting. The target completion date for all work on the project is November 15, 2021.