A multi-phase undertaking that will modernize a crucial corridor is making significant progress in northern Kentucky. The KY 536 widening and safety project, which includes Bristow Road (KY 1303) to Williamswoods Drive, will better accommodate current and future traffic demands by including a number of upgrades designed to improve traffic flow.
“This project provides a solid east/west connection for southern Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 6 spokesman Jake Ryle told Construction Equipment Guide. “Having four lanes, two in each direction, will reduce travel congestion. Straighter roads, roundabouts and shared-use paths will improve conditions for both motorist and pedestrian travel.”
In addition to KY 536 from Bristow Road to Williamswoods Drive, construction is taking place along Bristow Road (from north of Timber Lane to KY 536 and KY 536 from Williamswoods Drive to Madison Pike). Several segments have already been completed, leading to better traffic operations and roadway safety throughout the area.
KYTC District 6 photo
Overall project improvements include four lanes of vehicular travel to reduce congestion; six total roundabouts to increase safety; and a tighter road to improve sight distance. A shared-use path on both sides of KY 536 and KY 1303 will connect into a larger trail between the cities of Union and Independence.
Ryle stressed that overseeing a multi-phase project such as this is no small task.
“Our crews and project managers work hard every day toward providing better infrastructure. The contractor on this project is working well with contractors on other nearby projects to limit disruptions where possible.”
Ryle said the changes already being made on the Bristow Road to Williamswoods Drive segment are encouraging.
“It's been truly transformative to see the progress that has been made on this project. All of the pieces to the puzzle are coming together, and the public is starting to take notice.”
Work on this segment began in April 2024 and should be finished by November. The price tag for this construction is $30 million. The project is funded using state and federal funds.
For this portion of work, construction has had minimal impact on traffic. The existing two-lane roadway has been maintained throughout the project.
Prime contractor Eaton Asphalt is working to finish the roundabout tie-in at KY 536 and KY 1303. This is an ongoing project on KY 1303 that includes widening.
“This coordination is paramount to ensuring the roundabout can be properly constructed,” said Ryle. “Additionally, we've coordinated with a railroad company to perform a bridge widening as part of the project.”
KYTC District 6 photo
Ryle noted the westbound lanes are complete throughout the project. The bridge also has been widened on the westbound side. Crews are currently constructing the new eastbound portion of the roadway. They're also pouring curb and gutter and preparing the remainder of the project for subgrade stabilization.
Widening KY 536 from KY 1303 to Williamswoods Drive from two to four lanes requires careful planning and organization.
“Most of the prep work for widening the road has already been completed,” said Ryle. “Major earthwork and excavation took place, utilities needed to be relocated and required utility coordination.
“From there, workers constructed one half of the road, shifted traffic and are now constructing the other half.
Fortunately, crews have not run into any issues that needed to be resolved in this segment.”
The assignment includes installing two-lane roundabouts. They are similar to what has already been installed on previous sections of 536 in Boone County.
Crews are pouring curb and gutter and preparing the remainder of the project for subgrade stabilization.
On this segment, roughly 250,000 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved. Heavy equipment being used on the project includes excavators, cranes, backhoes, pavers, rollers and dump trucks. Asphalt and different aggregates and concrete for the bridge deck are the chief materials being used.
In addition to dealing with typical construction issues, the contractor and project team also must deal with the changing seasons. So far, the weather has not caused any major problems.
“Crews worked through the winter to keep the project on-track for its completion date,” said Ryle. “Fortunately, there haven't been too many delays related to rain or other inclement weather.”
With construction on this segment nearing completion, workers are one step closer to reaching the finish line.
“This project will truly transform the region by providing an east-west connection for thousands of motorists every day,” said Ryle. “It provides opportunities to connect motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to goods and services, which ultimately improves quality-of-life. It's exciting to know that this project, and the entire corridor, will be used by so many.” ⣠CEG
