JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) — It’s been nearly a week and a half following the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky, and there is still much work to be done.
In the latest update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, crews are working to repair state highways damaged in historic flooding in Breathitt and Perry counties last month. Four routes remain closed, and some of the closures are expected to be long-term.
Work is continuing to repair major breaks in the pavement on KY 451 in Perry County, KY 1110 in Breathitt County, and KY 1278 in Breathitt County. Daytime closures are in effect for KY 1110 while the work continues.
District 10’s sign crews have been busy installing warning signs to caution drivers of pavement breaks and slides. Drivers should heed these warning signs and watch for road damage, and yield to oncoming traffic in places where the pavement is reduced to one lane.
Rain over the weekend caused minor flooding and resulted in short closures of state highways in Menifee, Lee, and Powell counties, but the water had receded and all those roads were open to traffic Monday morning.
Five locations on four state highways remain closed, all in Perry County. All other routes within the district are open and considered passable, but breaks and other damage are present in some locations.
KYTC has established a Web site for road condition reports and flooding recovery information at ekytransportation-kytc.hub.arcgis.com. Updates can be found there, along with District 10’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Links are also available for sources of information on road conditions in District 11 and District 12, which also suffered heavy damage in the flooding.
Motorists should continue to use extreme caution if driving through flood-damaged areas and are urged to avoid travel on these roads unless absolutely necessary. Unnecessary sightseeing is discouraged, as this traffic can interfere with vital rescue and recovery operations.
