PEMBROKE, Ky. (July 8, 2021) — Today in Christian County, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman presented a ceremonial check for $1.1 million from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to represent funding of highway projects to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at two school campuses – Pembroke Elementary School in Pembroke and South Christian Elementary School in Herndon.
In April, Gov. Beshear announced plans to invest $23 million to improve highway safety near schools, protecting students, educators and families. Gov. Beshear charged KYTC with prioritizing and targeting safety projects near school sites using state funding allocated in the 2020 Highway Plan. Nearly 70 safety improvement projects in 44 counties across the state are included in the award: to see the full list, click here.
“As a teacher and a school parent, the safety of our Kentucky schoolchildren is never out of my thoughts,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “This ceremonial check represents more than the cost of engineering and materials. It represents a high priority of Gov. Beshear and all of us on Team Kentucky – making streets and roads safer around our schools.”
Projects at both sites in Christian County involve the construction of turn lanes to alleviate the problem of traffic backing up behind vehicles attempting to turn into the schools’ entrances.
“Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman have placed an emphasis on school safety,” Christian County Schools Superintendent Christopher Bentzel said. “These schools not only serve our rural students but our military dependents at Fort Campbell as well. We thank the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for looking out for Christian County Public Schools.”
At Pembroke Elementary, a left-turn lane will be built on Kentucky Route 115. At South Christian Elementary, left- and right-turn lanes will be built from Kentucky Route 117 into the south entrance of the campus.
“We will be thrilled to have a turning lane at Pembroke Elementary School,” Principal Dana Gary said. “The road in front of our school is narrow, and we have all kinds of traffic that goes up and down it. In addition to the buses and many regular vehicles, there are many transfer trucks, farm equipment and buggies that travel the Pembroke-Oak Grove Road. The addition of a turning lane for the school will provide a much safer route for all.”
The principal of South Christian Elementary School, Dr. Cherise Williams, said: “On behalf of South Christian Elementary School, we thank Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman. We serve a rural and military-dependent population, and their safety is paramount both for South Christian and the Beshear administration.”
KYTC engineers will design both projects, with construction to be contracted. Minor right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation might be required at both sites.
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