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Walton Interchange Alternatives

Two alternatives were developed during the preliminary design phase in 2023. The improvements in both design alternatives were studied and compared for better traffic flow, overall safety, and minimization of environmental impacts. A “No-Build” alternative was also included in the study to provide a baseline for comparing outcomes.

 

NOTE: The designs detailed below are not final plans or configurations. They are part of the study process, and KYTC's engineering team will continue to refine them as the project progresses. Public input is a critical part of final plan development. 

No-Build Alternative

A No-Build Alternative leaves the existing roadway as it is today.  Project team outcomes show that congestion and crashes could increase with projected increased traffic. In addition, project team models show the already-deficient roadway will progressively worsen as traffic demands grow and the roadway continues to age. The No-Build Alternative is not recommended because it does not reduce congestion or improve safety. 

Build Alternatives

Each of the two Build Alternatives improves traffic flow and reduces delays. Each also includes the addition of sidewalks to improve connectivity and proposes noise walls to address any noise impacts. Both alternatives would provide long-term improvements to address congestion and safety.

Alternative 1 (Recommended)

  • Constructs a new Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange, also known as a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), which uses signals to shift opposing traffic to the left side of the road. A DCD has safety and capacity advantages over a traditional diamond interchange while requiring more access control along the crossroad. Examples of DCDs in operation today are found on I-75 interchanges at KY 338 (Richwood) and KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road).

  • Realigns KY 14/16 approximately 200 feet north to allow the existing road to remain in use during construction.

  • Relocates intersection of KY 1292 and KY 14/16 approximately 900 feet to the west, increasing storage capacity and providing access control between the intersection and interchange signals.

  • Eliminates local access between the new interchange and School Road to the east and the relocated KY 1292 to the west. New access to businesses to the southeast is provided off Chestnut Drive.

  • Acquires five commercial properties and one residence.

WaltonMaps_v5_24_363-2.jpg

Proposed Alternative 1

Alternative 2

  • Reconfigures the existing service interchange into a single point urban interchange (SPUI).

  • Relocates KY 1292 approximately 750 feet to the west.

  • Splits the I-75 S exit ramp so traffic accessing KY 14/16 South will stay to the right at the ramp and continue straight, rather than enter the SPUI. This eliminates the current right turn/left turn maneuver.

  • Reduces intersection signals from two to one.

  • Increases distance between the interchange and the intersection of KY 14/16 and KY 1292.

Alternative 1 is recommended because it:

  • Improves signal capacity for the high number of left turn vehicles.

  • Better alleviates congestion long-term.

  • Better improves safety than a traditional diamond interchange or SPUI.

  • Creates and maintains access control and preferred signal spacing better than the SPUI design.

  • Promotes constructability and creates less traffic disruption than the SPUI during construction by reconstructing KY 14/16 on a new alignment.

Project Documents

Environmental Impacts Summary

Preliminary Technical Design

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