Briefly:Kentucky raises speed limit on two sections of U.S. 68/KY 80

Updated Nov 1, 2023
65 mph sign

Kentucky has increased the speed limit on two sections of U.S. 68/KY 80 in parts of Trigg and Graves counties in the southwestern part of the commonwealth.

The highway sections, both of which are four-lane, now bear speed limit signs for 65 mph, up from the previous 55 mph. 

The speed limit will remain at 55 along 9 miles of the corridor through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and near the Interstate 24 Cadiz Exit 65 Interchange east of Cadiz, at the U.S. 641/KY 80 intersection north of Murray, and near the KY 121 Bypass at Mayfield where the intersections have traffic signals. 

The speed limit along U.S. 68/KY 80 from Cadiz, through Christian, Todd and Logan counties to the edge of Bowling Green was raised to 65 mph in October 2012, enhancing the corridor across southern Kentucky. A section of KY 80 in Calloway and Graves counties was raised in October 2015. The speed limit has also been increased on 4-lane sections of U.S. 641 and U.S. 45. 

“The U.S. 68/Kentucky 80 Corridor is a well-designed, well-constructed highway that can safely accommodate the higher speed limit,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This corridor already is a tremendous asset as a 4-lane connector between Interstate 24 at Cadiz and Interstate 69 at Mayfield. By updating the out-of-date speed limit, we are reducing congestion and helping Kentuckians get to their destination quicker and safer, while also increasing economic development by enhancing the flow of commerce in this area.” 

Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray signed the order directing the higher speed limit on 6.5 miles of U.S. 68/KY 80 from the west edge of Cadiz to the Lake Barkley Bridge at Canton and along 2.5 miles of the KY 80 Mayfield South Bypass. 

Voting opens Nov. 1 for Transition Trucking award

Voting opens Wednesday, Nov. 1 for the 8th annual Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award program.

The five finalists, their branch of service and who they drive for are:

  • Todd Kraus, Army, Werner Enterprises
  • Brandon Meredith, Army, Slay Transport
  • Ondrae Meyers, Marines,  CRST
  • Jessica White, Army, Stevens Transport
  • Latravis Wilcox, Marines, Prime, Inc.

Voting is conducted online here and is open Through Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

The winner will be announced Dec. 16 They receive a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

The award program is dedicated to finding America’s top rookie military veteran driver through a nomination, selection committee, and public voting process. The program recognizes top drivers who have made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet. 

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All 17 semi-finalists recently traveled to Columbus and Chillicothe, Ohio, to be recognized as the trucking industry’s top emerging talent. During the trip, the semi-finalists visited the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, appeared on the Dave Nemo Show with Jimmy Mac on Road Dog Trucking Radio live from the MHC RoadReady Center in Chillicothe, and received an in-depth 90-minute tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant.

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