What are the effects on the sinkhole and cavern systems of the region? How will the new roadway affect the drinking water supplies?
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is conducting the most extensive investigations of karst terrain ever initiated by the Cabinet. A national consultant with specialized experience in this field was hired to investigate the identifiable cavern and sinkhole systems in the area. In addition, experts from the Kentucky Geological Survey at the University of Kentucky were also hired to provide dye tracings for the underground water supplies. More detailed geotechnical investigation will also occur in later design stages. All of this information will serve to provide a design that will avoid or minimize impacts to the karst system. Systems that will capture critical spills in case of emergency situations and keep them from the underground water supply will be investigated as more detailed design occurs in the final design stages.
