The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced a $67.4 million project to widen I-75 through Laurel County.

KYTC says the work is set to begin November 4th.

Some northbound and southbound lanes between mile markers 40.0 to 49.0 will be closed beginning Monday, November 4, through Friday, November 8. The speed limit will also reduce to 55 miles per hour in the work zone.

While the project may cause delays in travel time, officials say it will be worth that wait for tourism benefits. This comes during an expansion of business coming into London, which officials believe will only continue to grow.

“People traveling from up north may use the opportunities to take a break, to gas up, maybe stay overnight. Because we have a variety of opportunities to use London as a destination,” said Kelly Burton, London-Laurel County Tourism Executive Director.

This project will widen a section of I-75 from four to six lanes and connect two adjacent segments of existing six-lane traffic.

The new segment runs just south of KY 909 to London, which is about 7.29 miles.

“Kentucky is literally paving the way for safer travel and more efficient transportation of goods and services,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas. “These additional lanes will reduce travel times, unlock opportunities for southeastern Kentucky businesses and connect Kentuckians to what matters most to them.”

Other planned improvements include widening between mile markers 40.7 and 48, adding two bridges on U.S. 25 over the interstate and adding truck climbing lanes at a steep grade in the roadway near Woods Creek Lake Dam.

Once it’s completed, the project will create a continuous six-lane interstate from Cincinnatti to London.

Work is currently underway in southern Laurel County to widen I-75 between mile markers 29.1 and 33.2.

Officials anticipate this project will be completed on June 1, 2022.