MARTIN COUNTY – Over the next few weeks, Haydon Bridge Company officials expect several traffic control changes at the intersection of Ky. Route 645 and Ky. Route 3 where the state is building a flyover bridge.

Doug Wright, PE, Highway District 12 section engineer, said changes will start on Monday, May 4, in preparation of the beam erection process. The outside (right) lane on Ky. Route 645 headed toward U.S. 23 will be closed.

Wright explained that two sets of temporary bents need to be built, both close to the roadway, which will require lane closures. In addition, during the time that beams are actually being lifted and placed on the structure, the median on Ky. Route 645 and left turn lane onto Ky. Route 3 will need to be closed for placement of equipment.

Motorists should slow down in the work zone and read the signs that are posted. Also, when there are flashing arrows, drivers should merge as soon as possible. “Work zone crashes are caused by a variety of factors,” Wright said, “and one of them is people waiting until the lane runs out before they merge. It is easy for rear end and side swipe collisions to occur at these spots. So merge safely, but as soon as you can after you see notification that the lane you are in is going to end.”

Haydon Bridge Company started work on this project in February 2008. The expected finish date is sometime during this construction season, which means before November 1. However, Wright said the state and the contractor both have a goal to complete the work before school starts, around the first of August.

The contract amount of $6,228,309.29 includes site preparation, grade, drain, and construction of the bridge. The purpose of the bridge is to divert coal truck traffic and other large vehicles off Ky. Route 3 coming into Inez. Instead of using the at-grade T-intersection and turning left off Ky. Route 3 onto 645W, larger vehicles will move from the right lane onto a ramp to the flyover bridge and then merge into Ky. Route 645W past the current intersection, a distance of 0.56 miles.