Work to upgrade the Natcher Parkway to allow it eventually become the I-165 Spur will begin soon in the coming weeks in parts of Ohio County and Daviess County. 

Preliminary work with minimal impact on traffic has already started. The work will increase to full construction beginning the week of July 23rd.

The impacted zone will run along the Natcher from mile point 37.143 at the Ohio-Butler county line extending northward to the Natcher/US 60 Interchange at mile point 72.464 in Daviess County.

According to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 Chief Engineer Deneatra Henderson, the main portion of work will run just south of the KY 69 Hartford Exit 50 Interchange and will extend north to Owensboro at a distance of just over 22 miles.

Work on the Hartford Exit includes removing concrete from the old tollbooth area under the KY 69 overpass, new edge drains, repairs to relief joints, asphalt resurfacing, and guardrail upgrades. Once construction begins, the 22 mile zone will have a 55 mph speed limit with an enhanced enforcement presence.

The Hartford Exit is among four interchanges that will have to be reworked between Bowling Green and Owensboro to meet current interstate standards before I-165 Spur signs can go up to make the transition complete.

The entire 72-mile corridor of the Natcher will be upgraded to I-165 Spur status over the next five to ten years.

More From WOMI-AM