Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58 is a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to improve traffic flow and safety at the US 431 interchange with the Western Kentucky Parkway in Central City.
Project Overview
- Modifications are needed for the US 431 interchange at the Western Kentucky Parkway.
- Improvements will create a safer interchange to serve the Central City area.
- The updated design is expected to improve traffic flow and safety and reduce crashes in the area.
- Ramps will be lengthened or reconstructed to provide additional space to safely enter and exit the Western Kentucky Parkway.
- Improvements will bring the interchange to interstate standards to prepare for the future transition of the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-569.
Project Documents
Public Meeting | May 2025
Public Meeting
The Project Development Team hosted a public meeting in May 2025 to share information about Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58.
Meeting materials are available below to review and download.
Comments were accepted through June 3, 2025.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58 is to improve the US 431 interchange at the Western Kentucky Parkway to address safety, traffic flow, and function.
The need for the project is based on the following existing conditions:
The ramps have inadequate acceleration and deceleration lengths for an interstate facility.
The interchange has insufficient weaving distance for an interstate facility.
The interchange has a high rate of crashes.
The minimum criteria for control of access at an interchange is not met because of the limited spacing between the ramp and access point.
THE GOAL
The goal is to reconstruct the interchange to interstate standards in advance of upgrading the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-569.
Proposed Improvements
The Project Development Team is considering two alternatives to improve the interchange. Both alternatives provide additional space to safely merge onto and exit from the Western Kentucky Parkway and reduce weaving when using on and off ramps.
Alternative 1: Diamond Interchange with Parallel Entrance Ramps
- A diamond interchange with parallel entrance and exit ramps would replace all four existing loop ramps.
- Entrance and exit ramps in both directions provide a gentle curve with space to safely accelerate and decelerate at the interchange.
Benefits of a diamond interchange:
- Easy to navigate with ample space to exit and merge
- Separates traffic entering and exiting the parkway
Alternative 2: Flop Diamond Interchange Using Existing Entrance Ramps
- A flop diamond would replace existing loop ramps for drivers exiting the Western Kentucky Parkway to US 431.
- Existing on-ramps from US 431 to the Western Kentucky Parkway would remain.
- Additional acceleration lanes approximately a quarter-mile long would be added in both directions as drivers enter the Western Kentucky Parkway from US 431.
Benefits of a flop diamond interchange:
- Easy to navigate with ample space to exit and merge
- Separates traffic entering and exiting the parkway
- Provides a lengthened acceleration lane when entering the parkway
Improving Safety Along US 431
In addition to improving the interchange of Future I-569 at Exit 58, the Project Development Team is looking at access control improvements to the busy US 431 commercial corridor north of the interchange.
- Multiple access points and wide entrances can cause confusion when entering and exiting US 431 to and from businesses along the corridor.
- There are a high number of sideswipe and angle crashes along the strip.
- A two-way left turn lane is being proposed to provide a safe space to slow and turn from US 431.
- The two-way left turn lane is being proposed from just north of the US 431 interchange to the intersection for the drive at El Bracero.
Did you know?
Originally, the US 431 interchange housed one of five toll booths located along the Western Kentucky Parkway. Drivers stopped at entrance and exit loop ramps to the Western Kentucky Parkway at Princeton, Dawson Springs, Leitchfield, Caneyville and Central City.
FAQs
What is Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58?
Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58 is a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to improve traffic flow and safety at the US 431 interchange with the Western Kentucky Parkway in Central City.
What improvements are being proposed?
Modifications are needed for the US 431 interchange at Exit 58 off the Western Kentucky Parkway. Improvements will create a safer interchange to serve the Central City area. The updated design is expected to improve traffic flow and safety and reduce crashes in the area. Ramps will be lengthened or reconstructed to provide additional space to safely enter and exit the Western Kentucky Parkway. Improvements will also bring the interchange to interstate standards to prepare for the future transition of the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-569.
The Project Development Team is also studying enhancements to US 431 directly north of the interchange. The busy commercial corridor is prone to crashes.
How will the project improve safety?
Ramps will be lengthened or reconstructed to provide additional space to safely enter and exit the Western Kentucky Parkway. The updated design is expected to improve traffic flow and safety and reduce crashes in the area.
Additionally, the Project Development Team is studying improvements to the commercial corridor directly north of the interchange. There are a high number of sideswipe and angle crashes. A two-way left turn lane is being proposed to provide a safe space to slow and turn from US 431.
How will traffic be maintained during construction?
There are two alternatives under consideration. Both alternatives can be constructed in phases without ramp or lane closures. Drivers will continue to use existing ramps while new ramps are under construction. Once complete, traffic will move to new ramps.
When is construction expected to begin?
Construction funding is anticipated to be available in 2028.
Who is on the Project Team and how can I contact them?
KYTC is the owner of the project and Parsons Corp. is the lead project development and design firm. To connect with the Project Team, email info@ImprovingExit58.com. or submit a comment or question on the website using our form below.
Timeline
Share Your Feedback
Use this form to share feedback with the Project Development Team. Comments on May 2025 public meeting materials are accepted through June 3, 2025. Share your comments below or click here to complete the questionnaire online.
You can also upload a copy of your questionnaire via the form below.
- Have questions or comments?
Questions and comments about Improving I-569 at Exit 58 can be submitted using the comment form above or by emailing info@ImprovingExit58.com.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to KYTC District 2, 1840 North Main Street, Madisonville, KY 42431, attn: George Phelps.
