New developments for I-69 in western Kentucky

On December 19, 2012, Gov. Steve Beshear and several elected officials broke ground for a $5 million reconstruction of the Interstate 69-Kentucky 109 interchange at Dawson Springs. The upgrade is just one of many projects planned to bring the 38-mile section of the former Wendell H. Ford-Western Kentucky Parkway up to Interstate standards. Gov. Beshear and Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez dedicated the section of parkway in October 2011 as the state's first official stretch of I-69.

Workers update the signs on the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway-future Interstate 69 corridor to reflect the Ford-Western Kentucky Parkway's designation as I-69.

"It's exciting to see the beginning of this construction because of its great importance to western Kentucky," Gov. Beshear said. "This is a milestone in our long-range plan for turning parts of our parkway system into an I-69 corridor from the Ohio River to the Tennessee border."


The entire western Kentucky region will see economic benefits from the new Interstate, which will eventually stretch from the Canadian to the Mexican border and will provide access to 17 of the nation's top 25 seaports and 15 of the nation's top 25 air cargo airports. According to Chamber Leadership Initiatives for Northwest Kentucky, or C-LINK -- a coalition of 12 Chambers of Commerce in western Kentucky -- per capita income rates are 15-50% greater for counties with Interstate access.

State Sen. Jerry Rhoads said, "I am delighted we are moving forward with this project. The I-69 corridor of western Kentucky offers opportunity for growth in the region. This investment will open not only highways, but much needed economic opportunity for western Kentucky."

Gov. Steve Beshear, seated, listens to Kevin McClearn, Chief Engineer of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2, during the groundbreaking for upgrades to the 1-69-Kentucky 109 interchange at Dawson Springs.