Widening Project Gets Underway on I-71 in Carroll and Gallatin Counties

The project will last into November of 2026.

Shutterstock photo.

(Northern Kentucky) - A project aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety on Interstate 71 in Carroll and Gallatin counties will begin today. 

A widening project will change I-71's current configuration of two lanes in each directions, to three lanes in each direction with a shared median wall. 

“The I-71 corridor is vital for tens of thousands of motorists every day. It’s also a vital connection for cargo and freight. These widening improvements will provide a better, safer connection for all,” said Bob Yeager, KYTC District 6 Chief District Engineer.

Weather permitting, on Monday, March 3, crews will begin setting up signage in the work zone ahead of the widening project.

I-71 will be widened in the following areas:

• Carroll County: beginning at mile point 52.77 extending northeasterly to the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41), a distance of 0.64 miles.
• Gallatin County: beginning at the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41) extending northeasterly to west of Sparta Pike (KY 35) (mile point 57.36), a distance of 3.95 miles.

Crews are expected to begin milling/paving operations on Monday, March 10. This work will include milling the outside shoulder rumble strips in the project area, followed by putting asphalt back in order to switch traffic to the outside lane. Motorists can expect a single lane closure in one direction at a time when this work is being performed.

Once the right shoulder has been milled/paved, two lanes of traffic will be maintained through the project area for the majority of the project.

Work is expected to begin on I-71 southbound through the project area. Once milling/paving operations have been completed on the southbound lanes, work will switch over to the northbound lanes. This work is expected to take place during daytime working hours.

This widening project includes a bridge replacement over KY 47. The current bridges will be replaced with a new, single span bridge matching the median widening throughout the project area. This work may involve additional traffic impacts.

The speed limit will be reduced throughout the project area to 55 miles-per-hour to keep our crews safe as they work to improve this corridor. 

Eaton Asphalt Paving Co., Inc. is contracted to perform the nearly $42 million project on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Weather permitting, the overall project is expected to be completed Nov. 1, 2026.