LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has announced plans to invest in safety improvement projects on roads near public schools in 44 counties across the state -- including Jefferson, Nelson and Oldham County.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will receive $23 million in state funding to work on 70 projects focused on improving highways near Kentucky schools.
According to KYTC, $750,000 will be allocated to four projects in Jefferson County. Crews will work on improving safety at Cane Run Road near Crums Lane Elementary, S. Second Street at JCTC and S. 22nd Street near Salisbury School.
One of the biggest projects will be addressing ongoing truck crashes at the Third Street underpass near the University of Louisville's campus. Crews will install a height detection warning that flashes lights and a message to warn drivers if their vehicle won't clear the underpass.
In Nelson County, Bardstown City Schools will receive than $550,000 to provide sidewalks along Templin Avenue, connecting Bardstown Primary School with a new elementary school across the street.
"As a principal, my number one goal is to ensure the safety of all students," Bardstown Elementary School Principal Brian Courtney said. "This sidewalk will mean students will be able to travel to and from school safely throughout the neighborhood in all directions."
Oldham County will also receive $130,000 to design turn lanes at three schools on the North Oldham campus. Safety upgrades will also be made near Taylor County Middle School, while sidewalks and crosswalks will go up at Larue County's campus.
"Once completed, these projects will ensure safe access to and around our schools, as well as improve quality of life for the thousands of Kentucky families that drop off and pick up children every day," Beshear said.
To see a full list of projects, click here.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.