PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRAFFIC CHANGES COMING TO HWY 18 / BURLINGTON PIKE

Boone County, KY August 9, 2007 –– The new library is near completion on Burlington Pike and in conjunction with its construction, the County built an extension of Wildcat Boulevard that connects the two sections of Taylor Drive.  Currently, there is a very dangerous situation with traffic making left turns as well as driving strait through the intersections from the west intersection of Taylor Drive and Burlington Pike, and from the intersection of the small connector street from Patrick Drive and Burlington Pike. Patrick Drive acts as a frontage road on the south side of Burlington Pike that allows traffic to access the traffic signal at the intersection of Burgundy Hill Drive and Burlington Pike.  The extension of Wildcat Boulevard will also act as a frontage road on the north side of Burlington Pike and it too will allow traffic to access the traffic signal at the east intersection of Taylor Drive and Burlington Pike.

Because driving directly across the intersection poses a significant safety risk with traffic having to cross four lanes of oncoming traffic, and in the case of making left turning movements, crossing two lanes of traffic and then merge with other traffic, the County has decided not to allow left turns or straight passage from the west intersection of Taylor Drive onto Burlington Pike, and from the intersection of the connector road from Patrick Drive onto Burlington Pike. We have reviewed this situation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 traffic engineers and they are in agreement that making this restriction will create a safer intersection for everyone who travels.   Therefore as of August 1, 2007 the above described restrictions have taken effect.   Signs have been posted that read "Right Turn Only" and these signs will be replaced with larger signs soon.

These new traffic regulations will provide faster, and more importantly, safer passage along this stretch of Highway.

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If you would like more information about this topic please call the Boone County Public Works Department at (859) 334-3600.

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