The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place this past week. Kentucky Department of Transportation Chief District Engineer for District 4 Patty Dunaway explained additional accessibility for the Clarkson area was needed.
"Congestion issues on Highway 62 caused the need for the on/off ramps to be built," said Dunaway. "In 1991 the original two legs (on/off ramps) were built."
In 2001 funds were allocated for the new additions to the Western Kentucky Parkway. July of 2006 Rose Construction was contracted to do the ramp work. The cost of the project was $4.5 million.
"We appreciate the continuous partnership of the community, leadership and of the county," explained Dunaway. The WK Parkway was built in 1962.
State Senator for District 5 Carroll Gibson spoke about having the notoriety of having the first accident on the WK Parkway. "My wife's brother and I were following one another and had a wreck," said Gibson. "The road wasn't even fully complete at the time."
He went on to explain that the parkway was so much safer than that of the two lane roads. He said proper transportation is a vital force for a community to grow. Grayson County Judge-Executive Gary Logsdon remembers when Nelson Road came to a head at the Clarkson bridge.
"The road was then moved farther down so you could see better," said Logsdon. "The people of Clarkson had faith in hoping that the ramp project would come and it finally got there."
He went on to explain that residents do not realize the cost of getting a asphalt laid for the ramps or the roads in general. "It costs the state $100,000 a mile to lay blacktop roads," said Logsdon.
State Representative C.B. Embry said he fondly remembers the many improvements being done to the city. Embry was in charge of sponsoring the Clarkson Honeyfest bill. "I believe it takes two things to make any project work," explained Embry. "Working together as a team and being perseverant and determined."
City government officials, Clarkson residents, and members of state offices came out for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Residents along with officials reminisced on times past and how much the city has changed over the years.
Reporter
mmudd@gcnewsgazette.com
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