US 68 at I-24 near Reidland opens today with new roundabout

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said Thursday that US 68 at I-24 near Reidland will reopen today after a summer spent constructing an extended roundabout at the Exit 16 interchange.

US 68 and all the interstate ramps have been closed since June 22. The road is reopening about six weeks early, according to the project's original estimated completion date of mid-October.

The overall project is not yet completed. Paving is scheduled near the intersection of US 68 and KY 284 on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and is expected to last four days. Pavement striping and other finishing work will follow.

The speed limit is 35 mph, with a 25 mph advisory speed in the roundabout, which is the first of its kind on a state highway in western Kentucky.

When navigating a multi-lane roundabout, motorists should follow pavement arrows directing them into the appropriate lane. Drivers entering the roundabout should yield to vehicles already in the roundabout, which have the right of way.

KYTC has produced a series of videos and graphics showing the new layout and how to navigate it safely. They're available for viewing at the KYTC District 1 Facebook page.

KYTC has plans for several more roundabouts to be constructed in western Kentucky over the next 5 to 7 years. Along with Reidland, four roundabouts are planned for Paducah; one at Calvert City; four at Draffenville; six at Mayfield; two at Murray; and one at Cairo/Wickliffe.

It's not the first time KYTC has closed an interstate interchange to construct a safer roadway design. In 2019, US 60 at I-24 Exit 4 in Paducah was closed for two months while contractors completed the Double Crossover Diamond interchange. Since opening, injury-related crashes at that location have decreased by 32 percent.


(Photo, map: KYTC)