AASHTO Journal, 22 May 2015
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx made available $3 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief fund to help the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cover its costs of repairing federal-aid roads that were damaged by heavy April rains and flooding.
“Kentucky’s transportation systems have recently suffered damage from both winter snow storms and April floods, and these emergency relief funds allow the department to quickly help out when the state needs it the most,” said Foxx.
The FHWA said April storms brought flooding and mudslides throughout Kentucky, causing highway embankment failures and road and bridge damage statewide.
In particular, a section of SH 52 collapsed in Lee County near Beattyville, the agency said, and part of SH 22 in Louisville was completely washed out.
State officials estimated the cost of stabilizing and repairing the impacted areas is $9 million. The emergency funds will be used for work to remove debris and reopen affected roads to traffic.
“We are working closely with KYTC to ensure all the repairs are completed,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Getting roads open again and restoring travel will help all those who rely on these roads get back to their normal routine.”