The Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is beginning a feasibility study to explore the possibility of adding a new exit on I-165 in the southern part of the county. The study will determine whether this project would improve road safety and response times, as well as boost economic development in the area, officials said.
“We’ve secured $200,000 to see if it makes sense to put another exit off of I-165,” said Tom Lovett, Director of the MPO.
The study will primarily focus on the area between Owensboro and the county line, with a particular interest in KY 142. Lovett emphasized that the study is in its very early stages, and no decisions have been made about building the interchange.
“We just got the funding approved in July, and it has to go through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) before they hire a consultant firm to conduct the study. It could be 6-8 months before anything starts,” he said.
This project comes after the controversial “Outer Loop” proposal, which faced significant public opposition. Lovett clarified that this new study is unrelated to the Outer Loop. However, some residents have already begun voicing concerns, fearing this could be a backdoor attempt to revive that project.
“People need to know this is just a feasibility study,” Lovett stated. “We’re looking to see if an interchange would be beneficial, and if so, where it should be placed.”
In addition to road safety, the MPO hopes the new exit could spur economic growth.
“If there’s an interchange, it could attract businesses to the area,” Lovett explained. “But again, this is purely speculative at this point.”
Public hearings will be scheduled once the study is underway, allowing residents to provide input.
Lovett also reflected on the recent molten alumnimum spill, where more than 500 gallons were spilled on the roadway, effectively shutting down I-165 for all 30 miles between Owensboro and Beaver Dam. He said if there was an additional exit, that detour could have been shortened.
He said the study aims to provide a clearer picture of the potential benefits and challenges of adding a new exit to I-165, with safety and economic development at the forefront of considerations.
