2024 August 31 – Update on Richmond Road turn reconfigurations

Neighbors:

As noted in our October 2022 update (available here: https://elnalex.org/news/winter-2022-through-july-2024-richmond-road-corridor-schedule-of-improvements/), the intersection of Richmond Road at Yorkshire/Squires Road is scheduled for reconfiguration. This is part of a broader plan to modify several intersections along Richmond Road. We are providing this update to prepare you for the upcoming changes over the next year or two. While the adjustments may present some temporary inconveniences, they are designed to enhance safety and improve traffic flow.

The redesign is called an “RCUT”, or Restricted Crossing U-Turn.” (see https://transportation.ky.gov/saferoadsolutions/Pages/RCUT.aspx)

What are the benefits of an RCUT?

  • Enhanced safety – Motorists only focus on one direction of oncoming traffic at a time, making the intersection safer and easier to navigate.
  • Increased efficiency – The RCUT design has fewer traffic lights and stops when compared to a standard intersection, resulting in shorter wait times for motorists. ​
  • More capacity – Each direction of an RCUT operates independently by creating two one-way streets to decongest the flow of traffic.

When can an RCUT be used? 

  • RCUTs are most effective when an intersection has:
    • ​Median-divided highways
    • ​Heavy through and left-turn traffic volumes on the main road
    • ​​Low through and left-turn traffic volumes on side streets

​How does an RCUT work?

  • When approaching an RCUT from the main road, drivers can continue straight or make a left/right turn
  • When approaching from side streets, drivers start by making a right turn
    • ​After turning right, drivers can continue straight or enter the left turn lane to make a U-turn through the median
    • After making a U-turn, drivers can complete their desired movement through the intersection
  • ​Pedestrians follow crosswalks
  • Bicyclists use pedestrian paths or follow the traffic law

I received the update below from Mike Vaughn, a KYTC project engineer associated with intersection changes in progress on Richmond Road this summer of 2024. I hope you find it informative. Please contact the ELNA board or your district councilman for more information.

Addison Hosea

Secretary, ELNA

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As for a project status, below is an outline of where things stand.  Let me know if you have any follow up questions.

  • Original RCUT Corridor project limits:
    • From the Richmond Rd & Yorkshire Blvd intersection to the Athens-Boonesboro & Brenda Cowan Elementary School entrance intersection
  • In 2023, another intersection was added:
    • The Athens-Boonesboro & Competition Drive intersection
    • This intersection did not previously exist, but is being created as part of the on-going soccer complex development near I-75
  • Status for the soccer complex RCUT:
    • Working with the developer, we were able to design this new RCUT very rapidly
    • The developer also donated the small amount of Right-of-Way needed for the RCUT at the soccer complex
    • Minor sewer line relocation will be completed by the roadway contractor
    • Project was advertised for bids in March and we received an acceptable low bid
    • Construction of this RCUT has begun and is anticipated to be open to traffic by August 1, 2024
  • Status for the original Yorkshire to Brenda Cowan Elementary RCUT Corridor:
    • Construction Plan Set is about 95% complete – we are finalizing:
      • Traffic Signal and Street Lighting Details
      • Signing Plans
      • Maintenance of Traffic and Construction Phasing Plans
    • Right of Way acquisition – only 8 parcels of land needed for the project:
      • Reached agreement on 6 parcels
      • Could not reach agreement on 2 parcels
      • Proceeding through eminent domain on the 2 parcels
      • ETA on eminent domain process: could be resolved in 2-3 months, but could take 8-10 months
    • Utility relocations
      • Utility companies are finalizing relocation design plans
      • Major utility relocation: a 30-inch water main in two locations
        • Spot 1:  along Richmond Rd between Coys Lane and Yorkshire Blvd
          • Spot 1 work is anticipated to take place in late 2024/early 2025
        • Spot 2:  along Old Richmond Rd between Aphids and Delong
          • Spot 2 work may not take place till later … will depend on final Right of Way acquisition
    • The Bottom Line:
      • IF remaining Right of Way is cleared in 2-3 months:
        • KYTC will advertise the RCUT Corridor between Yorkshire to Brenda Cowan Elementary for bids in September or October 2024
        • Roadway work could potentially begin right after the new year, but it is more likely that the contractor would begin around March 2025
      • IF remaining Right of Way is not cleared in the next 2-3 months:
        • KYTC might “split” the project into two phases:
          • Phase 1:  the RCUTs at Yorkshire and at Brenda Cowan Elementary
          • Phase 2:  the RCUTs at Hays Blvd and Ellerslie, the reconstruction of Aphids Way, and the removal of the Old Richmond Rd intersection
        • IF KYTC splits the RCUT Corridor project into two phases:
          • Phase 1:  the RCUTs at Yorkshire and Brenda Cowan Elementary
            • Advertise for bids in September 2024
            • As stated above, if we get under contract for the roadway construction in the September timeframe, work could potentially begin right after the new year, but it is more likely that work would begin in March 2025
            • Construction would most likely be complete in late Fall 2025 (and we would likely require all work at/near Brenda Cowan Elementary to be complete prior to the start of school in August 2025, even if the work at/near Yorkshire was not complete)
          • Phase 2:  the RCUT at Hays Blvd and Ellerslie, the reconstruction of Aphids Way, and the removal of the Old Richmond Rd intersection
            • Advertise for bids once eminent domain process is complete