Beshear plan targets road safety and freight access in Perry County

Governor Andy Beshear unveiled a recommended 2026 highway plan that highlights a slate of transportation projects intended to improve safety, freight access and connectivity across Southern and Eastern Kentucky, with potential effects in Perry County. The proposal prioritizes resurfacing and rehabilitation on key corridors, bridge work and targeted upgrades aimed at supporting economic development in coalfield communities and industrial parks.

State priorities in the plan focus on reducing rural road hazards, strengthening links to industrial sites, and shoring up routes used in flood recovery and emergency response. For Perry County that means the roads into Hazard, the Buckhorn and Chavies corridors, and stretches of parkway and state route that serve local businesses and emergency services are likely candidates for evaluation and potential work in coming years.

How projects move from recommendation to construction hinges on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet planning process, the state six-year highway plan and the biennial budget cycle. Those planning steps will refine which segments receive funding and when, and may require local matches or grant applications to leverage additional dollars. Local officials and county road departments will have opportunities to weigh in during KYTC planning sessions and public input periods that precede final funding decisions.

The plan’s emphasis on freight access reflects ongoing efforts to keep truck traffic moving to and from industrial parks while reducing wear on local roads. Pavement rehabilitation and bridge repairs are intended to prevent costly closures and to maintain reliable routes for raw materials and finished goods, which is crucial for Perry County employers and the broader regional economy that still relies on coalfield infrastructure.

Local significance extends beyond commerce. Upgrades also aim to improve day-to-day safety for school routes, farm-to-market travel and emergency evacuations — concerns residents voiced after recent floods that disrupted access to neighborhoods and services. Strengthened corridors can reduce detours and speed the arrival of first responders during extreme weather or roadway incidents.

Next steps for residents and local leaders include tracking KYTC District 10 planning notices, participating in public comment windows, and coordinating with county officials on match and grant options. The coming months will show which corridors in and around Hazard receive priority and how funding timelines align with community recovery and development goals.

For Perry County, the plan presents an opening to press for repairs where they matter most and to shape investments that balance safety, commerce and resilience in the mountains.