FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 6, 2003
Contact:  Ted Merryman
or Nick Hall,
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
(270) 824-7080
 

Governor Patton Cuts Ribbon on the New Wendell H. Ford
Western Kentucky Parkway/KY 175 Interchange in Muhlenberg County
 

Graham, Ky. - Governor Paul Patton, Secretary James C. Codell, III and Representative Brent Yonts along with other state and local dignitaries gathered in Muhlenberg County today to celebrate the opening of the new Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway/KY 175 interchange.  

This $3.9 million interchange or what some call the “gateway” to the community of Graham was opened to the public on September 23. The new parkway interchange is located near mile point 48 in Muhlenberg County and connects the parkway to US 62 and KY 175 where two major industries, Ensign Bickford Aerospace & Defense and Dyno Nobel, are located. The “gateway” will also aid in the growth of the future 250-acres Muhlenberg Industrial Park. With a unique four-ramp design, this interchange allows the eastbound parkway traffic to have direct access to KY 175 and the westbound parkway traffic is routed to Graham Cypress Road, which connects to KY 175. This design was used to preserve the Graham Missionary Baptist Church. 

“This has been an ideal project, one that permits economic development while preserving a valuable community asset,” said Governor Patton.  “I am very pleased with the possibilities this new interchange offers the people of Muhlenberg County.” 

Transportation Secretary James Codell stressed the importance of this new gateway to the people of Muhlenberg County. “This interchange will not only provide a safer more direct route for emergency response vehicles, school buses, and the general public, but it will also bring in businesses and job opportunities for this area of Western Kentucky.” 

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