The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has temporarily lowered the speed limit on KY 499 (Joseph Proctor Memorial Bypass) in Estill County to 45 mph. This reduced speed limit will be in effect for the duration of KY 499’s use as a detour for the closed KY 52 Kentucky River bridge.
In addition, signage is in place to alert drivers of possible congestion for eastbound KY 499 motorists approaching the KY 89 (Winchester Road) intersection and traffic signal.
The KY 52 bridge is currently closed to traffic for a painting and rehabilitation project. The closure is expected to last until mid-July.
During a previous closure of the bridge, when KY 499 was used as a detour between Nov. 29 and Feb. 10, eight crashes were reported on the bypass. Three each were reported on the Kentucky River bridge and at the KY 89 intersection, and two were noted at the Stump Road intersection. Most of the wrecks were rear-end collisions in slowed traffic.
At least two accidents have occurred since the most recent use of the bypass as a detour began on March 16. Both of those were reported as rear-end collisions at the KY 89 intersection.
Drivers are urged to obey the reduced speed limit and pay attention to traffic conditions on the detour route. Traffic will be heavier during morning and afternoon commutes.
In another effort to ease traffic issues resulting from the closure, traffic signals at both KY 52-KY 89 intersections on either side of the closed bridge — Richmond Road and South Irvine Road at “The Y,” and River Drive and Main Street in downtown Irvine — were placed on flash earlier this week.
