State officials have released the seven-year long-range transportation plan. It seeks to establish an improved future transportation system for all modes of travel including cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, and walking. State Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said enhancing safety is a priority.
“What we are seeing is technology advancing at a very quick clip. And so, the expectation is in the next few years we’re going to see the exponential increase in the level of technology that is focused on safer driving,” said Gray.
The transportation secretary said the state just received a $5 million grant to implement a detection and alert system regarding wrong-way drivers. Kentucky has experienced wrong-way crashes on interstates causing multiple fatalities.
Gray added the state is currently using automatic flagging assist devices which eliminate the need for a crew member to signal in areas of one-lane travel.
“These automatic flagger assist devices are giving green lights and red lights and they’re synchronized. So, it’s a new technology where it’s already available. We’re utilizing it here in Kentucky,” said Gray.
Development of the new seven-year plan included a great deal of public comment. In the fall of 2021, more than 8000 participants across every county in Kentucky provided suggestions for priorities and transportation usage.
