ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Traffic concerns in Glendale are growing and more are on the horizon with the continued construction and the eventual opening of the BlueOval SK Battery Plant next year. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is giving the public some options of how to resolve those concerns.

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet presented three design alternatives for the Glendale Northeast Bypass in Hardin County

  •  The three options create a bypass to alleviate traffic congestion in the historic distric that have grown along with the community

  • The project is designed to bypass downtown Glendale  

  • The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be accepting public feedback on the three designs through Aug. 30

On Tuesday, July 30, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a meeting to get the public’s input on the Glendale Northeast Bypass Project.

Jim Dick says there have been talks about a bypass in downtown Glendale for 15 years and he has been anticipating more information.

“I’ve been looking forward to today primarily just, you know, to get some real data, I guess, as opposed to vague generalities. So this is helpful,” said Dick.

Jim says each alternative will run very close to two of his properties.

“The footpath on this plan just barely touches the back corner of our lot. It’s still better than widening 222, which our house sits so close to the road. That plan makes me anxious,” said Dick.

Right now, there are three options to create a bypass. The three plans differ in environmental, cost and trade-off impacts. Public Information Officer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Chris Jessie says this project aims to alleviate congestion from downtown Glendale as traffic increases.

“With the new factory, we’re going to have a lot of traffic, a lot of trucks coming through this area, and downtown Glendale is not necessarily the place they need to be. So this will provide an outlet and a way for them to get from Kentucky 1136 down to Kentucky 222 and bypass downtown Glendale,” said Jessie.

Jessie says it’s important that KYTC gets accurate data for the project to move forward.

 “We need a good cross-section of folks who are going to be working here, driving through, folks who live here obviously [are] directly impacted,” said Jessie.

Last time KYTC surveyed for this project, the most voted option was “no bid” — meaning to keep everything the same. Dick says that option isn’t feasible.

“You’re going to route all the traffic right through the middle of Glendale, right down in front of all of our homes. I would much rather push it back. That keeps it away from us some. it also keeps us keeps it away from downtown Glendale,” he said.

Dick says these choices will impact the future of the city and he wants the people who live in Glendale to be a part of this decision process. He hopes others will give their opinions.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be accepting feedback through Aug. 30.

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