35 million project will help alleviate congestion and improve mobility in the growing region
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Motorists traveling on Interstate 75 in Scott County now have a new option to access a major connection point between the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) facility and Georgetown. The result also will alleviate congestion, spur economic development and improve access for the tens of thousands of travelers in the area daily.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Greg Thomas has announced that the new I-75 interchange at Exit 127 is open to traffic. The new interchange, just south of the I-75 northbound rest area, connects KY 32 (Champion Way) and US 62 (Cherry Blossom Way) via the Toyota Access Road.
“Before this interchange opened to traffic, motorists were burdened by longer commutes and heavy congestion,” Secretary Thomas said. “This project will help relieve some of those issues and improve the flow of traffic in this busy corridor and at the same time, open up more economic development opportunities in the area. I want to thank our partners, including Senator Thayer, TMMK and our district staff, who have worked hard to open this interchange to traffic.”
While the interchange is now open to traffic, crews will resume work in the spring when weather conditions are more favorable to complete final surfacing and grading. The installation of lighting at the interchange will continue through the winter. Currently, technicians have focused on installing traffic signals in the area.
Signals will become active at the following locations:
KY 32 at KY 3552 – one signal will become active A standard signal with a red indicator, flashing yellow arrows and flashing green arrows
KY 3552 at Toyota Outer Ring Road – one signal will become active A standard signal with red, yellow and green indicators
“The exit 127 interchange on I-75 is a game-changer for Georgetown and Scott County,” said Senator Damon Thayer, of Georgetown. “It will improve safety on the Cherry Blossom Road corridor and provide an improved traffic flow in and around Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky during shift changes. It affirms Georgetown’s growth in well-paying manufacturing careers and allows our community to continue to build for the future.”
"We believe when good ideas are shared, great things happen,” said Wil James, president of TMMK. “This is a wonderful example of government, community and business working together to advance this region."
Collaboration among community leaders enabled crews to expedite the remaining work and revise the plan to open the new interchange by December 15. The installation of the Toyota Access Road roundabout as well as signal installation at Cherry Blossom Way and KY 3552 are complete.
“I want to commend the Transportation Cabinet for working with our community to implement this new interchange,” said Rep. Brian Linder, of Dry Ridge. “Toyota plays an integral role in our community, and this interchange will not only alleviate some of the heavy traffic motorist endure, but improve the safety and much needed access to an important regional business partner.”
“This interchange will contribute to the continued success of not only Toyota, but our community as a whole,” said Rep-Elect Phillip Pratt, of Georgetown. “I want to thank the Transportation Cabinet and all involved in seeing this vital project through completion. This collaboration between government and private business will make our roadways safer, while improving access to a vital regional partner.”
The $35 million project was awarded to ATS Construction, of Lexington.
