MURRAY – After missing two announced start dates, the Charley Miller Road bridge replacement project is now expected to begin by the end of the day Friday, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
Carrie Dillard, public information officer for KYTC District 1, told The Sentinel on Thursday the project did not start as announced due to “a miscommunication,” but said she anticipated the road would be closed by the end of the day and the contractor would begin moving equipment to the site.
The project will require an extended closure of Charley Miller Road between Kelly Road and Jackson Road while crews replace the bridge over Wades Creek. Weather permitting, the new bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in April.
KYTC first announced the project would begin in mid-January, but when road crews arrived to place closure signage that morning, County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes said they found no sign of the contractor. The cabinet later issued a news release delaying the start until late January or early February, followed by a second announcement scheduling work to begin Wednesday.
Lexington-based Jave, LLC was awarded the $495,000 contract to construct the new bridge.
The project is funded through the City County Bridge Improvement Program, a state initiative established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 to help local governments repair, replace or preserve bridges. The program allocated $25 million in fiscal year 2025 and another $25 million in fiscal year 2026, with funds awarded in phases based on project readiness and need.
Calloway County has received $2,385,000 through the program to fund five bridge replacement projects:
- Clayton Road, $430,000 (Phase 1)
- Furches Trail, $505,000 (Phase 1)
- Clayton Town Road, $410,000 (Phase 2)
- Charley Miller Road, $490,000 (Phase 3)
- Graham Road, $550,000 (Phase 4)
