Over two-and-a-half years after a contractor was hired to complete roadwork on state-maintained US 62 (Elizabethtown Rd.) between Leitchfield and Clarkson, what is popularly known as Beehive Curve is now considerably less curvy.
While there is work still to be completed on the project, motorists are now able to travel on the new section of roadway. Driving from Clarkson, the new road begins at 725 West Main Street and runs to between Oak Wood Lane and Fountain View Drive.
The intent of the roadwork was to straighten Beehive Curve. While there remains a slight curve in front of Kelley Beekeeping, the curve is significantly less severe.
In February 2021, Charles DeWeese Construction Inc. was hired by the state’s bonding company to complete the work. But as K105 previously reported, with mounting lawsuits and burdened by debt up to $100 million, the company filed for bankruptcy on July 1, 2022.
Bow Warren, maintenance supervisor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, previously said that when the new roadway opened, motorists would drive on an asphalt base, before adding that the asphalt work should be completed by spring 2024.
When the contract for the project was originally awarded to Charles DeWeese Construction Inc., the work was expected to cost $6.5 million. It’s unclear how the nearly yearlong delay and hiring of Scotty’s affected the project’s cost.
(Photo: 725 West Main Street in Clarkson — looking west — where the new roadway begins)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
