Construction on the first phase of a $23.3 million project to widen 1.3 miles of Hwy 54 on Owensboro’s east side is scheduled to begin on Sunday, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
On Sunday, crews will begin repainting lines to accommodate shifting both eastbound lanes of Hwy 54 using the existing turning lane for eastbound travel. This will allow construction of a third driving lane to begin on the south side of the highway.
Crews will work nightly from Sunday through Wednesday until the lane shift is completed through the entire construction zone.
Message boards will be in place on both ends of the project area.
Phase one construction is scheduled to begin on July 22. When phase one is completed, work will switch to the westbound side, with those lanes being shifted.
“The project is designed to alleviate congestion, make travel safer and enhance economic opportunities for businesses along the busiest roadway in Daviess County,” the KYTC said.
Since March, contractors have been working to locate and move utilities along the roadway, making room to widen Hwy 54 from four lanes to six.
“More than 32,000 vehicles use the route to access the community’s commercial district, located just south of the U.S. 60 bypass,” the cabinet said.
During the third and final phase, a new concrete median will be constructed, and asphalt applied to the widened roadway. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026. Crews plan to work 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily throughout construction, although occasional night hours may be necessary.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
