The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is moving forward with efforts to repair and reopen the westbound lanes of the Mountain Parkway near the Powell-Wolfe county line.
The westbound lanes were closed July 22 after a sinkhole developed beneath the pavement. Westbound traffic has been detoured onto KY 15, which runs parallel to the Mountain Parkway, between Exit 40 at Pine Ridge and Exit 33 at Slade. Eastbound traffic on the parkway has not been affected.
KYTC’s geotechnical experts have evaluated the location and are developing plans for repairing the roadway. Once plans are drawn up, bids will be taken for the repair work.
The goal is to have repairs completed and the road fully reopened by mid-fall.
In the meantime, drivers who use the KY 15 detour are urged to use caution, as the route is narrow with a steep downhill grade and sharp hairpin curves.
Truckers coming from the US 23 corridor in eastern Kentucky may prefer to use other routes, such as I-64 through Catlettsburg; or KY 80, the Hal Rogers Parkway, and I-75 via Hazard and London to reach Lexington and points beyond.
To accommodate trucks using the signed detour route, southbound KY 15 has been closed on Slade Hill. Through traffic is directed to use the eastbound Mountain Parkway, and signs are posted.
