FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Fulfilling a promise made last summer, Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today that work is expected to begin within the week on a 13 mile median cable barrier project in Jefferson County.  Median cable barriers will be installed on the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) between Interstate 65 and Taylorsville Road (mile points 10.2 to 23.1).  Installation will cost $1,447,782.  The George B. Stone Company has been awarded the contract to perform the work. 

"The median cable barriers have proven effective on Interstates 64 and 71 by preventing more than 30 cross-over crashes," said Governor Fletcher.  "We are now ready to move forward with this installation on the Gene Snyder Freeway in an effort to further reduce the number of highway crashes and fatalities in the Louisville Metro area." 

The system on Interstate 64 was installed between the Cochran Hill Tunnels and one half mile east of Breckenridge Lane.  Construction was completed in late July 2006 and since that time the system has been impacted ten times by vehicles.  

The cable barriers on Interstate 71 stretch from downtown Louisville to the Jefferson/Oldham County line.  Vehicles struck the system twice while this area was under construction.  Since the work was completed in mid-September 2006, this section has been hit 25 times including one incident involving a semi-truck. 

 "With highway deaths at a five year low in Kentucky, the Transportation Cabinet is committed to keeping this number on the decline by implementing safety projects such as this one," stated Secretary Bill Nighbert.  "Median cable barriers on the Gene Snyder Freeway will enhance safety for everyone who drives on that busy thoroughfare." 

Construction is expected to begin within the next week with completion scheduled for April 2007.  During construction, the left shoulder of eastbound I-265 will be closed Monday - Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  The left lane will be closed in one mile sections weekday evenings between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following morning and on weekends from 9:00 p.m. on Fridays until 6:00 a.m. on Mondays.  Motorists are urged to slow down and remain alert when traveling in construction work zones.