55 mph effective at 3 p.m., CDT, today
PADUCAH, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2021) – Motorists and truckers traveling Interstate 24 westbound in the immediate Paducah area should be aware that a reduced speed limit has been posted and is now enforceable from near the 7 mile marker to mile point 0.0.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has reduced the westbound speed limit from 65 to 55 miles per hour starting near the Elmdale Road Overpass extending westward to the I-24 Ohio River Bridge. The speed reduction is part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety for westbound traffic entering the merge point for an extended work zone in Illinois.
KYTC engineers have been working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Kentucky State Police, The McCracken County Sheriff, Paducah Police, McCracken County Emergency Management, and other agencies since the work zone was established in March.
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat noted that initial police crash reports from this area suggest driver inattention contributed to fatality crashes near the 3 mile marker.
This reduced speed limit is the result of an official order from the Kentucky Secretary of Transportation which will make it enforceable in a court of law. It became effective at 3 p.m., today, once installation of appropriate signage was completed. It will remain in effect throughout the duration of the work being performed by IDOT in Illinois.
KYTC and IDOT engineers plan to meet this week to discuss the merits of moving the work zone merge point to assist with emergency response efforts.
The Kentucky State Police, McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, and Paducah Police Department are prepared to enforce the new speed limit starting today.