Work began Monday morning, but the alignment of the tracks and roadway prohibit the use of asphalt paving equipment on either side of the new crossing - the asphalt has to be placed by hand. A crew worked most of Friday placing new asphalt with shovels and wheel barrows, but work is expected to take another day or longer, so the road will likely remain closed until Wednesday or later.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews and the McCracken County Road Department are also taking advantage of the closure to complete some drainage improvements near the crossing.
This short inconvenience should mean the new crossing will be smooth and durable for several years to come, so the patience of drivers is appreciated.
Drivers can detour using John Puryear Drive and Irvin Cobb Drive.
