Three local road projects were given a scoring boost Tuesday by the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization, a move that increases the likelihood they will receive funding through the state’s next highway plan.
The MPO’s Technical Advisory Committee and Policy Committee reviewed 15 eligible projects and selected three to receive “SHIFT” boosts. Each boost adds 10 points to a project’s score, which improves its chances when the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prioritizes projects statewide.
MPO Director Tom Lovett said the three selected were:
- Widening KY 54 from Thruston-Dermont Road to Countryside Drive.
- Reconstructing the intersection of KY 331 and U.S. 60 on Owensboro’s west side, adding dual turn lanes for westbound traffic.
- Reconstructing Fairview Drive from Settles Road to KY 54.
“These were the three they chose,” Lovett said. “They went through all 15, weighed the pros and cons, and decided these were the most important.”
Lovett explained that the MPO had three 10-point boosts available, and District 2 officials with KYTC also used their three boosts on the same projects. That means each project received a 20-point increase.
“What it does is propel their timeline,” Lovett said. “The higher your score, the more likely your project is going to get funded. By working with District 2, we really maximize the chance these three projects will move forward.”
According to MPO documents, the KY 54 widening carries an estimated $4.2 million price tag, while the Fairview Drive project is listed at $11.3 million. The KY 331/U.S. 60 intersection project is expected to cost $2.4 million.
Lovett said the scoring process helps shape the Governor’s Highway Plan, which then goes before the General Assembly.
“This is one of the ways KYTC determines what their priorities are in the bill they recommend to the governor,” he said. “It really increases the potential for these projects to get done.”
Other projects on the list included improvements to Breckenridge Street, Old Hartford Road, and an interchange at U.S. 231 and U.S. 60 near Maceo, but they did not receive boosts this cycle.
