Construction on the new roundabout at the intersection of Old Hartford Road, Fairview Drive and Foors Lane is entering its final phase, with Fairview Drive set to close Monday as crews complete the new traffic pattern.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Thursday that Old Hartford Road reopened Wednesday night, allowing traffic to resume while work shifts to the Fairview Drive (KY 3143) approach.
Fairview Drive is expected to close July 20 so crews can tie the roadway into the new roundabout alignment.
The project had originally been scheduled for completion in November, but transportation officials said they have worked with the contractor to accelerate construction. The current goal is to have the roundabout open before Daviess County Public Schools begin classes Aug. 6, nearly three months ahead of the original schedule.
Before the roundabout opens, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the city of Owensboro plan to host a public educational meeting to explain how to navigate the intersection. Officials said the date and time have not yet been determined and will be announced in advance.
According to the transportation cabinet, roundabouts are designed to improve safety by reducing conflict points and lowering the likelihood of severe right-angle, or “T-bone,” crashes. National data cited by the agency shows roundabouts can reduce overall crashes by 37% and traffic fatalities by as much as 90%.
Even after the roundabout opens to traffic, motorists should expect occasional delays as crews complete remaining work at the site.
