US-31W RCUT Corridor

HARDIN COUNTY, KY

TRANSPORTATION

Palmer Engineering is leading transportation improvements on US-31W in Hardin County, KY, addressing increased congestion and safety concerns caused by uncontrolled access and growing traffic volumes.

Initial Project (3.3 Miles):

Implemented Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersections at seven high-crash locations to reduce conflict points and improve traffic flow
Focused on eliminating left turns at key intersections
Integrated funding from KYTC and the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
Construction completed in December 2022
Achieved a 22% reduction in all crashes and a 40% reduction in fatal and injury crashes

Project Extension (8.5 Miles):

Expanding improvements to cover an additional 10 signalized intersections and 35 unsignalized intersections
Plans include RCUT intersections and modern roundabouts to enhance traffic safety and efficiency
Designed to accommodate growing traffic volumes while minimizing congestion and conflict points

This project highlights Palmer Engineering’s expertise in traffic engineering, roadway safety improvements, and innovative intersection design, delivering safer and more efficient transportation solutions for Hardin County.

Unique Aspects

Opportunities

· Addressing Traffic and Safety Issues: Palmer Engineering designed innovative solutions, including RCUT intersections and roundabouts, to improve safety and reduce congestion in this rapidly developing corridor of Hardin County.
· Funding Coordination: The project successfully integrates multiple funding sources, including HSIP, KYTC, and local contributions, ensuring efficient use of resources for both design and construction.
Demonstration Grant Implementation: Utilizing demonstration grant funds allowed Palmer to implement and test innovative intersection designs, providing a model for future transportation projects across the region.
Challenges

· Managing Congestion in a Growing Area: Palmer Engineering addressed the challenge of balancing safety improvements with congestion relief in a rapidly developing corridor by redesigning access points and optimizing traffic flow.
· Integration of Multiple Funding Sources: Coordinating funding from HSIP, KYTC, and local sources required careful management to align resources with project objectives and ensure timely implementation.
· Community and Stakeholder Involvement: Proactively engaging local businesses, residents, and stakeholders was critical to address concerns, particularly regarding RCUT intersections and potential construction impacts, ensuring project success and public support.
Successes

· Reduction of Conflict Points: Implementing RCUT intersections has improved safety by eliminating crossing movements, significantly reducing crash rates, and enhancing traffic flow along the corridor.
· Innovative Design: The project showcased the effectiveness of RCUT intersections in a real-world setting, providing a proven model for future transportation improvements in similar high-traffic areas.
· Efficient Coordination of Resources: By leveraging multiple funding sources and collaborating with various agencies, Palmer Engineering ensured the successful design and implementation of critical safety and congestion-reduction improvements along US-31W.