MT. WASHINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) — A long-discussed plan to widen a busy Bullitt County highway is finally moving forward, bringing both optimism and concern from drivers, business owners, and residents.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is considering major upgrades along Highway 44, stretching from Bardstown Road to the Spencer County line. The project would expand the road from three lanes to five in front of Bullitt East High School and from two lanes to three farther east. Up to six roundabouts are also being considered in the redesign.
Many who travel the route daily say the improvements are overdue.
“It is a nightmare,” said Josh Steven, who owns a jewelry store at Highway 44 and Bardstown Road. “It’s a struggle to get through on a normal day without construction. So you add construction exponentially, and it will be a struggle to get through.”
Drivers say congestion and constant backups are part of the daily routine.
“It can be a beast,” said Jimmy Shawler, who uses the road every day. “It takes nothing more than one person to hit their brakes and it creates that chain-reaction domino effect. And next thing you know, you are stuck in traffic for hours.”
Others acknowledge the need for upgrades but expect difficult years ahead.
“It’s got to expand but it is going to be really bad for a while,” said Mt. Washington resident Deborah Murphy.
State officials said the project aims to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians while easing traffic through one of Bullitt County’s fastest-growing areas. Although the widening has been talked about for years — with initial public feedback sessions dating back to 2009 — residents are now starting to see plans progress.
“Since I have been very young, I can always remember 44 is going to be widened, 44 is going to be worked,” Steven said.
A final design decision is expected in the coming months, with right-of-way acquisition beginning in 2027 and construction starting in 2029.
“That’s a long time,” Steven said. “Four years to endure anything like that is a long time. I’ll be happy when it’s done.”
A public meeting on the proposal will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Calvary Christian Center on Highway 44.
KYTC has also opened an online feedback form for residents who cannot attend.
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