An environmental impact statement ( EIS ), under United States environmental law , is a document required by the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for certain actions "significantly affecting the quality of the human environment". An EIS is a tool for decision making. It describes the positive and negative environmental effects of a proposed action, and it usually also lists one or more alternative actions that may be chosen instead of the action described in the EIS. One of the primary authors of the act is Lynton K. Caldwell .
92-479: Preliminary versions of these documents are officially known as a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) or draft environmental impact report (DEIR). The purpose of the NEPA is to promote informed decision-making by federal agencies by making "detailed information concerning significant environmental impacts" available to both agency leaders and the public. The NEPA was the first piece of legislation that created
184-668: A "highway" as only a way open for use by motor vehicles, but the California Supreme Court has held that "the definition of 'highway' in the Vehicle Code is used for special purposes of that act" and that canals of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice are "highways" that are entitled to be maintained with state highway funds. Large scale highway systems developed in the 20th century as automobile usage increased. The first United States limited-access road
276-594: A $ 3-million contract (equivalent to $ 3.77 million in 2023 ) to install I-69 and US 41 signs on the Pennyrile Parkway. The work was completed on November 16, 2015. From Eddyville, I-69 follows I-24 for 17 miles (27 km), then turns southwest on the Purchase Parkway. I-69's designation along the Purchase Parkway from I-24 to the Tennessee state line at South Fulton, Tennessee ,
368-636: A 17-mile-long (27 km) segment of I-24. To reflect this decision by state and federal officials, crews began erecting Future I-69 signs along the following highway segments: On May 2, 2008, the United States House of Representatives passed HR-1195 (SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008) which designates the Pennyrile Parkway from Henderson to Nortonville and the Western Kentucky Parkway from Nortonville to I-24 at Eddyville as Future I-69. It further designates
460-499: A CATEX from NEPA requirements as these portions of I-69 utilize existing freeways that required little more than minor spot improvements and a change of highway signage. Additionally, a CATEX can be issued during an emergency when time does not permit the preparation of an EA or EIS. An example of the latter is when the Federal Highway Administration issued a CATEX to construct the replacement bridge in
552-576: A California-based firm with offices in Indiana, was picked to complete environmental and preliminary design work on November 15, 2016. Kentucky has committed over $ 43 million in its 2016 Six-Year Highway Plan for design and right-of-way acquisition for the bridge. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has proposed $ 267 million in his first Six-Year Highway Plan for the I-69 bridge. Of that, $ 77 million would become available from 2020 to 2022 and
644-401: A comprehensive method to assess potential and existing environmental risks at once. It also encourages communication and cooperation between all the actors involved in environmental decisions, including government officials, private businesses, and citizens. In particular, an EIS acts as an enforcement mechanism to ensure that the federal government adheres to the goals and policies outlined in
736-475: A cost of $ 33.9 million. The project will turn this exit into a diamond interchange with extended ramps to meet interstate standards. The current ramps are expected to be closed for up to 90 days between July 10 – October 10, 2023 as the construction project begins. Improvements to the exits 1 ( US 51 ) and 2 ( KY 307 ) will also be made. The project is scheduled for completion on December 15, 2024. After construction, I-69 will be extended down south to Fulton and
828-802: A five-year period." A 2021 study found that areas that obtained access to a new highway experienced a substantial increase in top-income taxpayers and a decline in low-income taxpayers. Highways also contributed to job and residential urban sprawl. Highways are extended linear sources of pollution . Roadway noise increases with operating speed so major highways generate more noise than arterial streets. Therefore, considerable noise health effects are expected from highway systems. Noise mitigation strategies exist to reduce sound levels at nearby sensitive receptors . The idea that highway design could be influenced by acoustical engineering considerations first arose about 1973. Air quality issues: Highways may contribute fewer emissions than arterials carrying
920-467: A funding strategy to complete the Ohio River Bridge and its approaches. Indiana contributed $ 17 million to restart and led the environmental studies that culminated in an approved EIS and ROD that allowed construction to begin. Environmental studies have taken three years to complete, with right-of-way acquisition and construction expected beginning thereafter. Parsons Transportation Group,
1012-409: A good analysis. In addition, government officials do not want to reveal an environmental problem from within their own agency. Citizens often misunderstand the environmental assessment process. The public does not realize that the process is only meant to gather information relevant to the decision. Even if the statement predicts negative impacts of the project, decision makers can still proceed with
SECTION 10
#17327811739141104-403: A highway available to vehicles is also available to foot or horse traffic, a highway available to horse traffic is available to cyclists and pedestrians; but there are exceptional cases in which a highway is only available to vehicles, or is subdivided into dedicated parallel sections for different users. A highway can share ground with a private right of way for which full use is not available to
1196-438: A highway. Recent examples include toll bridges and tunnels which have the definition of highway imposed upon them (in a legal order applying only to the individual structure) to allow application of most traffic laws to those using them but without causing all of the general obligations or rights of use otherwise applicable to a highway. Limited access highways for vehicles, with their own traffic rules, are called "motorways" in
1288-570: A new Ohio River crossing bridge. It is expected to be completed in 2031 in which I-69 will connect Indiana to Kentucky. Highway A highway is any public or private road or other public way on land. It includes not just major roads, but also other public roads and rights of way . In the United States, it is also used as an equivalent term to controlled-access highway , or a translation for motorway , Autobahn , autostrada , autoroute , etc. According to Merriam-Webster ,
1380-560: A number of similarly worded definitions such as "a way over which all members of the public have the right to pass and repass without hindrance" usually accompanied by "at all times"; ownership of the ground is for most purposes irrelevant, thus the term encompasses all such ways from the widest trunk roads in public ownership to the narrowest footpath providing unlimited pedestrian access over private land. A highway might be open to all forms of lawful land traffic (e.g. vehicular, horse, pedestrian) or limited to specific modes of traffic; usually
1472-441: A pavement preservation project, the existing pavement is removed, repairs are made to the highway's sub-base, and the road is then resurfaced. During such a project, bridges and overpasses may be rehabilitated or replaced, drainage systems are upgraded, and other modifications are made to improve safety on the road without completely reconstructing it, allowing it to remain at least partially open during construction. Two projects on
1564-409: A public highway is also known as " The King's Highway ". The core definition of a highway is modified in various legislation for a number of purposes but only for the specific matters dealt with in each such piece of legislation. This is typically in the case of bridges, tunnels and other structures whose ownership, mode of use or availability would otherwise exclude them from the general definition of
1656-669: A public road is not included in the relevant statistics. The United States has the world's largest network of highways, including both the Interstate Highway System and the United States Numbered Highway System . At least one of these networks is present in every state and they interconnect most major cities. It is also the world's most expensive mega-project, as the entirety of the Interstate Highway System
1748-670: A separate project from SIUs 6 and 7. Kentucky is the only state that will be routing nearly its entire portion of I-69 over existing freeways, allowing the state to avoid years of costly environmental studies, and thereby enabling the KYTC to upgrade the parkways to I-69 as soon as funding becomes available. Technically, the Commonwealth of Kentucky could request a waiver from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) that would allow
1840-657: A sharp turn to the north, passing by Mortons Gap , Madisonville , and Sebree . A trumpet interchange with KY 425 is located in the southern part of Henderson . Immediately after KY 425 is the western terminus of the Audubon Parkway . I-69 in Kentucky meets its current northern terminus at US 41 in Henderson. On May 15, 2006, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that I-69 will encompass 130 miles (210 km) of existing parkways and
1932-767: A time when Tennessee was moving forward with planning for the remainder of SIU 7 (all of which, except for a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) section of the Purchase Parkway approaching the Fulton–South Fulton interchange, lies within Tennessee). It was agreed upon by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the KYTC, and TDOT to prepare a separate environmental assessment (EA)/EIS for the Fulton–South Fulton interchange when both states were ready to perform its reconfiguration to accommodate I-69. As Tennessee continues to make progress toward completing
SECTION 20
#17327811739142024-401: Is a significant negative externality which is difficult to evaluate quantitatively, making it difficult (but not impossible) to include in transport economics-based research and analysis. Congestion is considered a negative externality by economists. A 2016 study found that for the United States, "a 10% increase in a region's stock of highways causes a 1.7% increase in regional patenting over
2116-413: Is being popular in many cities to combat most of the social problems caused from highways. In transport, demand can be measured in numbers of journeys made or in total distance travelled across all journeys (e.g. passenger-kilometres for public transport or vehicle-kilometres of travel (VKT) for private transport ). Supply is considered to be a measure of capacity. The price of the good (travel)
2208-504: Is measured using the generalised cost of travel, which includes both money and time expenditure. The effect of increases in supply (capacity) are of particular interest in transport economics (see induced demand ), as the potential environmental consequences are significant (see externalities below). In addition to providing benefits to their users, transport networks impose both positive and negative externalities on non-users. The consideration of these externalities—particularly
2300-410: Is not specifically sponsored by a federal agency. These factors may include actions that receive federal funding, federal licensing or authorization, or that are subject to federal control. Not all federal actions require a full EIS. If the action may or may not cause a significant impact, the agency can first prepare a smaller, shorter document called an Environmental Assessment (EA). The finding of
2392-773: Is the longest national highway in the world at over 14,500 kilometres (9,000 mi) and runs almost the entire way around the continent. China has the world's largest network of highways, followed closely by the United States. Some highways, like the Pan-American Highway or the European routes , span multiple countries. Some major highway routes include ferry services, such as US Route 10 , which crosses Lake Michigan . Traditionally highways were used by people on foot or on horses . Later they also accommodated carriages , bicycles and eventually motor cars , facilitated by advancements in road construction . In
2484-744: Is with no action taken by the lead agency. Analysis of the No Action Alternative is used to establish a baseline upon which to compare the proposed "Action" alternatives. Contrary to popular belief, the "No Action Alternative" doesn't necessarily mean that nothing will occur if that option is selected in the Record of Decision. For example, the "No Action Alternative" was selected for the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor Tier-I Environmental Impact Statement. In that Record of Decision,
2576-601: The Audubon Parkway interchange or remain on its current alignment and travel through Henderson on U.S. Route 41 (US 41) north into Indiana . The proposed route for the remainder of I-69 in Kentucky travels about 10 miles (16 km) before exiting on a bridge across the Ohio River to Indiana. As of April 2024, it is in early stages of development. I-69 has been divided into three sections of independent utility (SIUs) through Kentucky. SIUs 5 and 6 encompass existing freeways. Federal legislation has designated
2668-596: The Tennessee state line. The interchange between the Purchase Parkway , US 45, and US 51 straddles the Tennessee state line between the cities of Fulton, Kentucky , and South Fulton, Tennessee. Officially part of SIU 7, the interchange was broken out from the environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for SIU 7 at
2760-419: The 1920s and 1930s, many nations began investing heavily in highway systems in an effort to spur commerce and bolster national defence. Major highways that connect cities in populous developed and developing countries usually incorporate features intended to enhance the road's capacity, efficiency, and safety to various degrees. Such features include a reduction in the number of locations for user access ,
2852-709: The Audubon Parkway as a future spur (I-X69) of I-69 once necessary upgrades are completed. President George W. Bush signed the bill on June 6, 2008, and Future I-69 signs began appearing on the parkways in the middle of 2008. This legislation applied the Future I-69 designation to the following roadways: All four highways, except for the section of the Purchase Parkway south of Mayfield , are now signed as I-69. Signage and milemarker posts were changed in mid-December 2012. A 2007 engineering study for SIU 5 identified then-current conditions along
Environmental impact statement - Misplaced Pages Continue
2944-449: The EA determines whether an EIS is required. If the EA indicates that no significant impact is likely, then the agency can release a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and carry on with the proposed action. Otherwise, the agency must then conduct a full-scale EIS. Most EAs result in a FONSI. A limited number of federal actions may avoid the EA and EIS requirements under NEPA if they meet
3036-536: The LEDPA. An EIS typically has four sections: While not required in the EIS, the following subjects may be included as part of the EIS or as separate documents based on agency policy. Every EIS is required to analyze a No Action Alternative , in addition to the range of alternatives presented for study. The No Action Alternative identifies the expected environmental impacts in the future if existing conditions were left as
3128-697: The Mayfield Bypass (exit 21) and KY 80 was let in February ;2016. The section of the Purchase Parkway north of Mayfield received I-69 signage in July 2018. A contract for the conversion of the last remaining tollbooth-style interchange requiring reconfiguration, located at KY 339 in Wingo (exit 14), was awarded again awarded to Jim Smith Contracting Company in December 2022 at
3220-401: The NEPA. An EIS should be created in a timely manner as soon as the agency is planning development or is presented with a proposal for development. The statement should use an interdisciplinary approach so that it accurately assesses both the physical and social impacts of the proposed development. In many instances an action may be deemed subject to NEPA's EIS requirement even though the action
3312-491: The Ohio River bridge plan had stalled in the late 2000s and early 2010s, due to lack of funding from both states. However, with the completion of SIU 5 in Kentucky and with I-69 connected to Indianapolis via Indiana State Road 37 in Indiana, both states made completing the Ohio River Bridge a top priority. On June 30, 2016, then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence and then-Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin announced an agreement to resume environmental studies and developed
3404-531: The Pennyrile Parkway and the Western Kentucky Parkway in Hopkins County were evidence that Kentucky took this approach. In 2007, work began on a $ 14.9-million (equivalent to $ 21.1 million in 2023 ) project to replace seven miles (11 km) of pavement on the Pennyrile Parkway segment slated for the I-69 designation. A similar $ 23-million project (equivalent to $ 34.5 million in 2023 ) in 2005 replaced and upgraded 11 miles (18 km) of pavement on
3496-456: The Pennyrile and Western Kentucky parkways. The report identified seven overpasses that fell short of the 16-foot (4.9 m) minimum vertical clearance necessary for Interstate Highways. An additional 28 mainline bridges were identified for not meeting the minimum horizontal clearance of 38 feet (12 m). Most—if not all—of the aforementioned bridges were built during construction of
3588-621: The Texas Department of Transportation opted not to proceed with building its portion of I-69 as one of the Trans-Texas Corridors to be built as a new-terrain route (the Trans-Texas Corridor concept was ultimately scrapped entirely), but instead decided to proceed with converting existing US and state routes to I-69 by upgrading those roads to interstate standards. The NEPA process is designed to involve
3680-479: The Tier I EIS would analyze the potential socio-environmental impacts along a general corridor, but would not identify the exact location of where the action would occur. A Tier I ROD would be issued approving the general area where the action would be implemented. Following the Tier I ROD, the approved Tier I area is further broken down into subareas, and a Tier II EIS is then prepared for each subarea, that identifies
3772-427: The U.S., many of these effects are from racist planning practices from before the advent of civil rights . This would result in the vast majority of displacement and social effects mostly going to people like African Americans. In recent times, the use of freeway removal or the public policy of urban planning to demolish freeways and create mixed-use urban areas, parks, residential, commercial, or other land uses
Environmental impact statement - Misplaced Pages Continue
3864-671: The UK. Scots law is similar to English law with regard to highways but with differing terminology and legislation. What is defined in England as a highway will often in Scotland be what is defined by s.151 Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (but only "in this act" although other legislation could imitate) simply as a road , that is: The word highway is itself no longer a statutory expression in Scots law but remains in common law. In American law,
3956-408: The Western Kentucky Parkway west of the interchange with the Pennyrile Parkway, which was also slated to become part of I-69. Several public meetings were held in towns along the parkways in late November and early December 2007 where Kentucky officials provided detailed information on upgrading the parkways, including changes to the projected cost for the upgrades. The adjusted cost of upgrading
4048-565: The act encourages them to consider the environmental costs of a project and introduces new information into the decision-making process. The NEPA has increased the influence of environmental analysts and agencies in the federal government by increasing their involvement in the development process. Because an EIS requires expert skill and knowledge, agencies must hire environmental analysts. Unlike agencies who may have other priorities, analysts are often sympathetic to environmental issues. In addition, this feature introduces scientific procedures into
4140-538: The action can proceed. Obtaining these permits typically requires the lead agency to implement the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws that are ancillary to NEPA. In some instances, the result of NEPA analysis leads to abandonment or cancellation of the proposed action, particularly when the "No Action" alternative ends up being
4232-665: The cloverleaf interchange between the Pennyrile and Western Kentucky parkways in Nortonville to accommodate the future movement of traffic primarily between points north and points west. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) 2006 Six-Year Transportation Plan Executive Summary, the KYTC "recently completed a study of the parkway upgrade needs from Interstate 24 to Henderson" (SIU 5). The summary further stated that "Continuing work on Interstate 69 in Kentucky will depend upon
4324-653: The cost and schedule for implementing the action under control. However, many activities require various federal permits to comply with other environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act , the Clean Water Act , Endangered Species Act and Section 4(f) of the Federal Highway Act to name a few. Similarly, many states and local jurisdictions have enacted environmental laws and ordinances, requiring additional state and local permits before
4416-442: The criteria for a categorical exclusion (CATEX). A CATEX is usually permitted when a course of action is identical or very similar to a past course of action and the impacts on the environment from the previous action can be assumed for the proposed action, or for building a structure within the footprint of an existing, larger facility or complex. For example, two recently completed sections of Interstate 69 in Kentucky were granted
4508-529: The environment. Because of the intense level of detail required in analyzing the alternatives presented in an EIS or EA, such documents may take years or even decades to compile, and often compose of multiple volumes that can be thousands to tens of thousands of pages in length. To avoid potential conflicts in securing required permits and approvals after the ROD is issued, the lead agency will often coordinate with stakeholders at all levels, and resolve any conflicts to
4600-620: The exact location of where the proposed action will take place. The preparation of Tier II EISs for each subarea proceeds at its own pace, independent from the other subareas within the Tier I area. For example, parts of the proposed Interstate 69 extension in Indiana and Texas , as well as portions of the Interstate 11 corridor in Nevada and Arizona are being studied through a two-tiered process By requiring agencies to complete an EIS,
4692-469: The federal government's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ). Italy was the first country in the world to build controlled-access highways reserved for fast traffic and for motor vehicles only. The Autostrada dei Laghi ("Lakes Highway"), the first built in the world, connecting Milan to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore , and now parts of the A8 and A9 highways, was devised by Piero Puricelli and
SECTION 50
#17327811739144784-455: The financial support that can be garnered for the project through federal reauthorization and appropriations processes". The Transportation Plan estimated that the cost of upgrading the parkways would be about $ 700 million. Nonetheless, the required improvements may be performed on individual segments of the parkways when the existing road surfaces reach the end of their lifespans, in what are known as "Pavement Preservation Projects". During
4876-599: The first of two contracts for the bridge was awarded (running from the I-69/KY ;425 interchange to US 60, more than six miles (9.7 km) in total length). It went to the design–build bid of Ragle Inc. and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for $ 158 million. Groundbreaking took place on June 23, 2022, and construction of the first phase is scheduled to complete in late 2025 at a cost of $ 257 million. Construction for phase 2 will begin 2027. It will extend I-69 from US 60 to Evansville, Indiana which includes
4968-511: The former Purchase Parkway to Mayfield, where it bypasses the city to the west and north, passing interchanges with Kentucky Route 80 (KY 80), KY 121 , and US 45 , after which it heads northeast away from the city, passing through rural areas of Western Kentucky . Exit 41 provides access to US 641 in Benton . I-69 interchanges with US 68 at exit 47 near Draffenville . Just south of Calvert City , I-24 from
5060-431: The general public: for example farm roads which the owner may use for any purpose but for which the general public only has a right of use on foot or horseback. The status of highway on most older roads has been gained by established public use, while newer roads are typically dedicated as highways from the time they are adopted (taken into the care and control of a council or other public authority). In England and Wales,
5152-416: The greatest extent possible during the EIS process. Proceeding in this fashion helps avoid interagency conflicts and potential lawsuits after the lead agency reaches its decision. On exceptionally large projects, especially proposed highway , railroad , and utility corridors that cross long distances, the lead agency may use a two-tiered process prior to implementing the proposed action. In such cases,
5244-435: The interchange thereafter. SIU 4 is still in the planning stages, but Kentucky and Indiana had planned to finance a new bridge across the Ohio River with tolls. The preferred alternative for SIU 4 was to leave the Pennyrile Parkway near its north end and cross the Ohio River to the former I-164 near Evansville, Indiana , and then use the former I-164 to I-64 . All of I-164 was redesignated as I-69 in 2014, but
5336-463: The negative ones—is a part of transport economics. Positive externalities of transport networks may include the ability to provide emergency services , increases in land value and agglomeration benefits . Negative externalities are wide-ranging and may include local air pollution , noise pollution , light pollution , safety hazards , community severance and congestion . The contribution of transport systems to potentially hazardous climate change
5428-513: The network. In South Korea , in February 1995 a bus lane (essentially an HOV -9) was established between the northern terminus and Sintanjin for important holidays and on 1 July 2008 bus lane enforcement between Seoul and Osan (Sintanjin on weekends) became daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. On 1 October this was adjusted to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. In Hong Kong , some highways are set up with bus lanes to solve
5520-521: The next draft Six-Year Plan for consideration by the Kentucky General Assembly . The proposed plan included the reconstruction of several interchanges on the Pennyrile and Western Kentucky parkways. The proposed work would upgrade the interchanges to Interstate standards as required to get the parkways signed as I-69. Pending approval and funding, the interchange work would begin in 2012 and be finished by 2015. In 2014, work began on
5612-432: The number of intersections. They can also reduce the use of public transport , indirectly leading to greater pollution. High-occupancy vehicle lanes are being added to some newer/reconstructed highways in the United States and other countries around the world to encourage carpooling and mass transit. These lanes help reduce the number of cars on the highway and thus reduces pollution and traffic congestion by promoting
SECTION 60
#17327811739145704-456: The parkway between Mayfield and I-24, including the reconfiguration of the KY ;348 interchange at Benton from a toll-booth design (with opposing loop ramps) to a diamond interchange , the installation of cable barriers in the narrow parkway median, and resurfacing of the mainline to increase bridge clearances and lengthen merge lanes at other interchanges along this section was part of
5796-404: The parkways eligible for federal Interstate Highway funds to complete the upgrades. Without the I-69 designation, the parkway sections slated to become I-69 would not be eligible for Interstate Highway funds for upgrades. Kentucky officials announced that no funding for I-69 was included in the 2008–2014 Transportation Improvement Plan. In January 2010, then Governor Steve Beshear released
5888-464: The parkways in SIUs ;5 and 6 was pegged at around $ 300 million, significantly lower than initial estimates of $ 700 million. Of that $ 300-million pricetag, high-priority projects accounted for about half ($ 145 million) of the total cost. Kentucky transportation officials also raised the idea of applying for a waiver that would allow the parkways to immediately be signed as I-69, making
5980-467: The parkways in the 1960s and are nearing the end of their serviceable lifespans and due to be replaced. The main issues concerning the 16 interchanges in SIU ;5 were short acceleration/deceleration lanes (the average is 615 feet (187 m) while Interstate standards mandate 1,200 feet (370 m)) and tight curve radiuses at interchanges with loop ramps. A particular challenge was reconfiguring
6072-659: The planning stage, this extra traffic may lead to the new road becoming congested sooner than would otherwise be anticipated by considering increases in vehicle ownership. More roads allow drivers to use their cars when otherwise alternatives may have been sought, or the journey may not have been made, which can mean that a new road brings only short-term mitigation of traffic congestion. Where highways are created through existing communities, there can be reduced community cohesion and more difficult local access. Consequently, property values have decreased in many cutoff neighborhoods, leading to decreased housing quality over time. Mostly in
6164-415: The political process. The differences that exist between science and politics limit the accuracy of an EIS. Although analysts are members of the scientific community, they are affected by the political atmosphere. Analysts do not have the luxury of an unlimited time for research. They are also affected by the different motives behind the research of the EIS and by different perspectives of what constitutes
6256-678: The proposal. Interstate 69 in Kentucky Interstate ;69 ( I-69 ) in the US state of Kentucky is a 148.1-mile-long (238.3 km) freeway running from Fulton to Henderson . The route makes use of the Purchase Parkway and existing portions of I-24 , the Western Kentucky Parkway , and the Pennyrile Parkway . Eventually, I-69 will leave the former Pennyrile Parkway just south of
6348-437: The public and gather the best available information in a single place so that decision makers can be fully informed when they make their choices. This is the process of EIS Environmental Impact Statement Often, the agencies responsible for preparing an EA or EIS do not compile the document directly, but outsource this work to private-sector consulting firms with expertise in the proposed action and its anticipated effects on
6440-409: The required upgrades to the Pennyrile Parkway in anticipation of the I-69 designation. The cloverleaf interchange with I-69/Western Kentucky Parkway was modified to allow highspeed movements between points north and points west. During the same time frame, several interchanges along the Pennyrile were also reconstructed, and cable barriers were installed in the median. In April 2015, the KYTC awarded
6532-416: The rest from 2023 to 2026. The proposed money source developed the project and then began a portion of construction running from KY 425 /Henderson Bypass to US 60. Due to the financial situation regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic , only $ 37 million was approved due to possible budget deficits. On September 16, 2021, a combined final EIS and ROD was issued. On December 21, 2021,
6624-426: The roads around the world each year and was the leading cause of death among children 10–19 years of age. The report also noted that the problem was most severe in developing countries and that simple prevention measures could halve the number of deaths. For reasons of clear data collection, only harm involving a road vehicle is included. A person tripping with fatal consequences or dying for some unrelated reason on
6716-473: The roadway. In British English , "highway" is primarily a legal term. Everyday use normally implies roads, while the legal use covers any route or path with a public right of access, including footpaths etc. The term has led to several related derived terms, including highway system , highway code , highway patrol and highwayman . Major highways are often named and numbered by the governments that typically develop and maintain them. Australia's Highway 1
6808-441: The route for these sections, and Kentucky is in the process of installing I-69 signs on the route. SIU 4 includes a new bridge over the Ohio River between Henderson and Evansville, Indiana . The proposed funding formula calls for Kentucky to finance two-thirds of the projected $ 1.4-billion bridge, while Indiana would pay for the remaining third. I-69 in Kentucky begins at the Tennessee state line at Fulton. It travels north on
6900-534: The safety performance of roads and streets, and methods used to reduce the harm (deaths, injuries, and property damage) on the highway system from traffic collisions . It includes the design, construction and regulation of the roads , the vehicles used on them and the training of drivers and other road-users. A report published by the World Health Organization in 2004 estimated that some 1.2 million people were killed and 50 million injured on
6992-634: The same vehicle volumes. This is because high, constant-speed operation creates an emissions reduction compared to vehicular flows with stops and starts. However, concentrations of air pollutants near highways may be higher due to increased traffic volumes. Therefore, the risk of exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants from a highway may be considerable, and further magnified when highways have traffic congestion . New highways can also cause habitat fragmentation , encourage urban sprawl and allow human intrusion into previously untouched areas, as well as (counterintuitively) increasing congestion, by increasing
7084-428: The state to apply the I-69 designation to its parkways before upgrades are completed, but this would only be able to have been done if adjoining segments in Tennessee or Indiana are completed first. The Purchase Parkway has been designated as future I-69, but the route could not be signed as I-69 until several interchanges, including the interchange with I-24, are upgraded to Interstate standards. The northern portion of
7176-638: The unbuilt portion of SIU 7 to the south and Kentucky's upgrades to the Purchase Parkway from the north, both states indicated their intention to start work on reconfiguring the Fulton–South Fulton interchange. A joint EA/EIS will be prepared by the KYTC and TDOT and submitted to the FHWA for a record of decision (ROD) prior to right-of-way acquisition and construction. The 2016 Kentucky Six Year Road Plan includes $ 7.8 million in fiscal years 2019 through 2022 to complete environmental studies, ROW acquisition, and utility relocation in anticipation of reconstructing
7268-544: The upgrade to I-69. A $ 37-million contract (equivalent to $ 46.5 million in 2023 ) to reconstruct the I-24/Purchase Parkway interchange was awarded to Jim Smith Contracting Company on November 20, 2015. Construction on the I-24/Purchase Parkway interchange began in early 2016, with the project completed in July ;2018. A similar contract to reconstruct the parkway interchanges at the south end of
7360-488: The use of dual carriageways with two or more lanes on each carriageway, and grade-separated junctions with other roads and modes of transport. These features are typically present on highways built as motorways ( freeways ). The general legal definition deals with right of use, not the form of construction; this is distinct from e.g. the popular use of the word in the US. A highway is defined in English common law by
7452-445: The use of carpooling in order to be able to use these lanes. However, they tend to require dedicated lanes on a highway, which makes them difficult to construct in dense urban areas where they are the most effective. To address habitat fragmentation, wildlife crossings have become increasingly popular in many countries. Wildlife crossings allow animals to safely cross human-made barriers like highways. Road traffic safety describes
7544-455: The use of the term predates the 12th century. According to Etymonline , "high" is in the sense of "main". In North American and Australian English , major roads such as controlled-access highways or arterial roads are often state highways (Canada: provincial highways ). Other roads may be designated " county highways " in the US and Ontario . These classifications refer to the level of government (state, provincial, county) that maintains
7636-837: The usual principle that a road available to vehicular traffic was also available to horse or pedestrian traffic as is usually the only practical change when non-motorways are reclassified as special roads . The first section of motorway in the UK opened in 1958 (part of the M6 motorway) and then in 1959 the first section of the M1 motorway . Often reducing travel times relative to city or town streets, highways with limited access and grade separation can create increased opportunities for people to travel for business, trade or pleasure and also provide trade routes for goods. Highways can reduce commute and other travel time but additional road capacity can also release latent traffic demand . If not accurately predicted at
7728-592: The wake of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge Collapse . NEPA does not prohibit the federal government or its licensees/permittees from harming the environment, instead it requires that the prospective impacts be understood and disclosed in advance. The intent of NEPA is to help key decisionmakers and stakeholders balance the need to implement an action with its impacts on the surrounding human and natural environment, and provide opportunities for mitigating those impacts while keeping
7820-446: The west joins I-69. The two highways run concurrently for 17 miles (27 km), crossing over the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers and interchanging with US 62 twice. At exit 42 of I-24, I-69 splits off and heads northeast, serving the communities of Princeton and Dawson Springs . At exit 106, the highway meets the western terminus of the Western Kentucky Parkway and the northern terminus of I-169 . I-69 then makes
7912-456: The word "highway" is sometimes used to denote any public way used for travel, whether a "road, street, and parkway"; however, in practical and useful meaning, a "highway" is a major and significant, well-constructed road that is capable of carrying reasonably heavy to extremely heavy traffic. Highways generally have a route number designated by the state and federal departments of transportation. California Vehicle Code, Sections 360, 590, define
8004-576: Was constructed on Long Island, New York, and known as the Long Island Motor Parkway or the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway. It was completed in 1911. It included many modern features, including banked turns , guard rails and reinforced concrete tarmac . Traffic could turn left between the parkway and connectors, crossing oncoming traffic, so it was not a controlled-access highway (or "freeway" as later defined by
8096-483: Was estimated to cost $ 27 billion in 1955 (equivalent to $ 240 billion in 2023 ). China's highway network is the second most extensive in the world, with a total length of about 3,573,000 kilometres (2,220,000 mi). China's expressway network is the longest Expressway system in the world, and it is quickly expanding, stretching some 85,000 kilometres (53,000 mi) at the end of 2011. In 2008 alone, 6,433 kilometres (3,997 mi) expressways were added to
8188-566: Was inaugurated in 1924. This highway, called autostrada , contained only one lane in each direction and no interchanges. The Southern State Parkway opened in 1927, while the Long Island Motor Parkway was closed in 1937 and replaced by the Northern State Parkway (opened 1931) and the contiguous Grand Central Parkway (opened 1936). In Germany, construction of the Bonn-Cologne Autobahn began in 1929 and
8280-626: Was opened in 1932 by Konrad Adenauer , then the mayor of Cologne . Soon the Autobahn was the first limited-access, high-speed road network in the world, with the first section from Frankfurt am Main to Darmstadt opening in 1935. In the US, the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921 (Phipps Act) enacted a fund to create an extensive highway system. In 1922, the first blueprint for a national highway system (the Pershing Map )
8372-576: Was published. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 allocated $ 25 billion for the construction of the 66,000-kilometre-long (41,000 mi) Interstate Highway System over a 20-year period. In Great Britain , the Special Roads Act 1949 provided the legislative basis for roads for restricted classes of vehicles and non-standard or no speed limits applied (later mostly termed motorways but now with speed limits not exceeding 70 mph); in terms of general road law this legislation overturned
8464-515: Was written into law with the fiscal year 2002 Transportation Appropriations Bill . However, many of the same issues that are being addressed in SIU 5 arise in SIU 6 as well, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is upgrading the Purchase Parkway in a similar fashion. The massive interchange with US 45 and US 51 at the Tennessee state line in South Fulton is the main challenge for completing SIU 6 and has been broken out as
#913086