Tree Trimming on KY 15 to Cause Delays for Motorists
Tree trimming work on KY 15 south of Hazard began Monday, December 1, and motorists should expect delays and intermittent lane restrictions between the Knott County line and Hazard. The work improves safety and winter road conditions, but residents should plan extra travel time and use caution near the work zone.
Maintenance crews began tree trimming along KY 15 in Perry County on Monday, December 1, starting at the Knott County line at milepoint 0.0 and moving northward toward Hazard. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has warned that the operation is mobile, and drivers should anticipate shoulder closures and occasional lane closures while signs and flagging are in place.
The work removes trees and other vegetation from the right of way to improve sight distance for drivers, reduce the risk of trees or limbs falling onto the highway, and allow more sunlight to reach the pavement to aid in snow melting during winter. These measures are aimed at reducing winter travel hazards in a corridor that connects rural areas in eastern Kentucky to Hazard, and they reflect routine preventative maintenance that can reduce larger disruptions later in the season.
For Perry County residents, the immediate impact will be slower travel along KY 15 during work hours. Commuters, school buses, and local freight operators should build extra time into routes that use the stretch between the Knott County boundary and Hazard. Motorists are advised to reduce speed, pay attention to signage, and be prepared for changing traffic patterns where shoulders or lanes are closed.
Local emergency services and school transportation planners should be aware of the possible delays and coordinate as needed during peak travel times. Property owners and drivers who frequently use KY 15 may see clearer sightlines after trimming, which can improve safety on curves and at intersections that historically have limited visibility.
For more information, residents and local officials may contact H.B. Elkins at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, by calling (606) 666 8841 switchboard, or the direct line at (502) 764 0018. Inquiries may also be emailed to HB.Elkins@ky.gov. The cabinet requests that drivers exercise extreme caution while crews are working and follow posted traffic control measures for everyone s safety.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
