FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Mountain Parkway Expansion?
This project will widen and extend the existing Mountain Parkway to create a modern, four-lane highway from Interstate 64 near Winchester to U.S. 23 near Prestonsburg. When completed, the parkway will be part of a four-lane, high-speed corridor that will run the length of the state – from Paducah to Pikeville.
How much will this project cost?
The Kentucky General Assembly has approved using a mix of conventional state and federal highway funds for the Mountain Parkway Expansion.
The project also has been selected for two federal grants. In September 2014, the Mountain Parkway Expansion received a $24 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to finance the Restaurant Row segment of the Parkway. This grant allowed construction on Restaurant Row to begin two years ahead of schedule. In 2020, the Wolfe County Segment was awarded a $55 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.
When will this project be completed?
The project began in early 2015 with construction on the Magoffin County Central segment. Currently, approximately 70% of the project is completed or under construction.
The Wolfe County segment is preparing for construction and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The construction schedule for the remainder of the project (Magoffin-Floyd segment) depends on the availability of state and federal funding.
Will the road between Salyersville and Prestonsburg follow KY 114?
This segment of the Mountain Parkway Expansion is proposed to extend from U.S. 460 in Salyersville to Ky. 404 in Prestonsburg. The selected option would be to construct a new, cross-country route. This selected option would cause fewer disruptions and property impacts to homes and businesses versus expanding the parkway along the current Ky. 114 corridor, which was another option that was considered.
Why does the Parkway need to be expanded?
Enhancing safety and connectivity are the main reasons for expanding the Parkway. The half-century-old parkway will be widened to four lanes in order to support a higher volume of traffic travelling along this high-speed corridor. Additionally, interchanges will be updated and modernized to create a safer route for drivers.
How can I provide input about this project?
You can email questions or comments to [email protected]. Also, watch our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for notices of public meetings and announcements regarding the Mountain Parkway Expansion.
