FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (March 3, 2020) – The Kentucky Department of Highways is fast-tracking slip repairs on KY 2 east of Warnock in Greenup County to reopen the highway as quickly as possible. However, it's likely to remain closed there for several weeks.
Overnight, a section of embankment along KY 2 at North Fork hill (near mile marker 9) slipped, causing the road surface to crack and collapse about a foot or more. State highway crews immediately barricaded KY 2 just east of North Fork Road as a safety precaution.
Highway engineers and geotechnical specialists were on site today to assess and plan repairs. The site had already been identified for one of several slip repair projects planned this year — it had T-rail installed about 20 years ago to stabilize the hillside, but needed more work. As a result of the new damage, the project has shifted into high priority and repairs will start as soon as possible.
"We know this is an important highway for residents, schools and businesses in Greenup and surrounding counties," said Steve Gunnell, Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 chief engineer. "We're committed to getting it fixed, and reopening the road as quickly as we can."
Repairs will likely involve further embankment stabilization by drilling into bedrock and placing additional supporting materials. Work could take several weeks to complete.
Until repairs are finished, KY 2 will remain closed at milepoint 8.8 at North Fork hill about 2.5 miles east of the KY 7 intersection at Warnock.
Crews have placed barricades on KY 2 at the top and bottom of the hill at North Fork Road. Message boards warning motorists have been placed at key locations, including at the US 23 intersection at Greenup. Detour signs are also being placed.
All thru traffic should detour using KY 827 and KY 7, or KY 1459, KY 784 and local routes. The closure impacts about 600 to 700 vehicles a day — the average traffic on KY 2 in that area.
For real-time traffic information, visit http://GoKY.ky.gov.