There will be some changes for drivers going through Newport starting Thursday. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is opening the northern section of the Kentucky 9 expansion project.
Nancy Wood with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says drivers can expect some changes in traffic patterns.
"Monmouth Street will revert back to a one way between the Third and Fourth street block. Motorists traveling on Fourth street westbound will turn left at the light onto Central for one block and then turn right onto Fifth street to enter the new roundabout to continue onto Kentucky 8," she says.
There are two roundabouts; at the south end of the Taylor Southgate Bridge, and near the east end of the Veterans Bridge.
Wood says they are among the largest traffic circles in Northern Kentucky.
"They are a great tool to move traffic through. It eliminates left turns so you continue on the roundabout and exit at the point where you need to exit by making a right-hand turn."
Work on the third and final section of the project is expected to be finished next December. It will unite the section of KY 9 between 12th and Ninth streets that's been widened. Wood says that work won't affect traffic much.
"It's going to safely move traffic on KY 9 through Newport and improve the regional connectivity. It's also going to increase the utilization of the Taylor Southgate Bridge."
Wood says that should help take some pressure off other Ohio River bridges. She says the final segment, connecting the north and south components, shouldn't interrupt motorists. It's expected to be completed next December.
