HISTORY

US Highway 68 (US 68) and Kentucky Route 80 (KY 80) is the only east-west roadway through the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. The communities of Murray and Mayfield to the west are connected by this route to the communities of Cadiz and Hopkinsville to the east and to Nashville via Interstate Route 24.

Previous studies and maintenance inspection reports label both the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River) and the Lawrence Memorial Bridge over Barkley Lake (Cumberland River) as “functionally obsolete.” Both bridges were constructed in 1932 and raised with the impoundment of their respective lakes. They have continuing maintenance issues, are very narrow and are in need of replacement.

KY 80 west of Eggner’s Ferry Bridge has been reconstructed to US 641 near Murray and construction is proceeding west of US 641 to Mayfield. The new roadway is a four-lane roadway. US 68/KY 80 east of Lawrence Memorial Bridge has been reconstructed from the Cadiz Bypass to Bowling Green. All, except the Cadiz Bypass, are four lanes. Completion of these bridges and the roadway from Kenlake State Resort Park to Cadiz Bypass (Currently under a separate contract) will complete the US 68/KY 80 improvement projects from Mayfield to Bowling Green.

The rich cultural history and community fabric of the Land between the Rivers area presents unique challenges in the planning and design of the new bridges. The Project Team is sensitive to the fact that this area is home to many generations of stakeholders. As a result, this project will include an extensive public outreach and involvement process to ensure that the concerns, thoughts and opinions of those closest to this area, and all concerned citizens, are considered throughout the design process.