Business owners and homeowners stopped by a public information meeting hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Tuesday evening to review displays, ask questions, and voice their concerns regarding a proposed reconstruction project on the west side of Hopkinsville. The proposed project is along U.S. 68-Business/West 7th Street from the Princeton and Dawson Springs Roads to North Drive to address traffic congestion in the area.
District 2 Chief Engineer Deneatra Henderson tells the News Edge the proposed improvements along this section of West 7th Street includes three lanes and a sidewalk.
She says it will take them about a year to put their final plan together and if funding is included in the next legislative budget session they could possibly start buying right of way land rights next year.
Henderson notes the total cost of the project exceeds $10 million.
She says this is a good project and it’s an area that needs the relief with a middle turning lane and they are excited to get started on it. In addition, Henderson says they plan on doing all the construction while maintaining traffic on the roadway.
Joann Willis, who owns Little River Radiator and Exhaust and A & J Graphics and Design, says she is concerned about the widening of West 7th Street.
Johnny Brown, the owner of Brown Automotive formerly D and H Automotive, says his main concern is safety.
However, Brown adds the widening of West 7th Street is really needed.
Community and Development Services Director Steve Bourne and some of his staff, as well as Ward 11 City Councilman Jason Bell, also attended the meeting to ask questions, review the plans and other materials.
The meeting was held in the library at the Christian County Middle School.
