FORT WRIGHT, Ky. — Kentucky is investing $23 million to make roads near schools around the state safer for students.

A woman who works at one of the schools benefiting in Northern Kentucky says the improvements are much needed.

Just as students look forward to the moment school lets out, so too does Carolyn Bergs, who helps direct the traffic on Sleepy Hollow Road, which students at St. Agnes School in Fort Wright cross to walk home.

“We all have different jobs, and I do this Monday through Friday,” Bergs said with a smile. “And I have the sign duty. I feel so important. I was a patrol leader in sixth grade, so I had credentials early on in life.”

Bergs is a teacher and librarian at St. Agnes School in addition to her responsibility of making sure her students get home safe.

She said she loves her job, but she needs some help.

“I believe all of the parents in this area would agree that there needs to be some improvements here,” she said. “The speed is way too excessive here. And I think that’s due to a lack of signage. I really do believe that signage will improve the situation a lot.”

Help is on the way.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the $23 million investment to fund road safety improvement projects at 70 schools across 44 counties.

“I started my term as governor with an emphasis on improving education. But that was not limited to only what happens inside the walls of our children’s schools,” Beshear said.

The state is sending $154,000 to improve the safety on Sleepy Hollow Road near St. Agnes School.

“That’s really good news to hear,” Bergs said, before showing about an inch of space between her pointer finger and her thumb. “It takes that long for something to happen.”

The funds will be used to help improve sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and pavement markings, and build things like dedicated turn lanes and new entrances to schools.

The idea is to make people’s commutes smoother in addition to improving safety.

“[This will] ensure we don’t have wrecks right there in front of schools with our most precious cargo, our kids,” Beshear said. “If you are a parent of a child that walks to school, projects like these new sidewalks are going to make you safer.”

At St. Agnes, Bergs said a good start would be installing some signs that are bigger than the stop sign she uses to direct traffic.

“It does the job for now, and the students are very mindful, and it’s getting better. Fort Wright has supported us. It’s gotten much better,” she said. “We’re just trying to do everything in our power to make it just a safe day for the students at St. Agnes.”

These improvement projects will take place over the next two years. Two other Northern Kentucky projects are included in the plan.

Investments of $80,000 each will improve safety along U.S. 27 at CS-7092 near Crossroads Elementary, and along U.S. 27 at KY 10 near Campbell Co. High School.