Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Bridging Mountains, Connecting Lives: The Reconstruction of US 460 project restored a part of the Appalachian Development Highway System that has historically served as a main route for both work, access to healthcare, and recreation in the region. 

The $800 million project replaced an outdated, narrow two-lane road with a new 16.7-mile, four-lane highway. The new road features 12-foot lanes, full shoulders, and shortened travel distances by 10 miles; significantly reducing travel times and improving overall traffic safety. 

The new highway segment plays a key role in improving safety, mobility, and connectivity throughout the region by allowing better access for tour buses, recreational vehicles, and bicyclists. Five excess excavation areas created during construction will be used by the local governments for redevelopment; available for manufacturing, housing, technology, wholesale, and retail development.