US 31-W Bypass improvement project to begin in northern Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A project to improve a section of the U.S. 31-W Bypass in the northern part of Bowling Green in Warren County is expected to begin soon.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, long-term traffic delays and traffic queues are expected during construction.

Transportation officials say the project addresses issues on U.S. 31-W Bypass corridor from the intersection of Fairview Avenue northbound toward Park Street.

The left-turn lanes at the intersection with Fairview Avenue will be lengthened to increase capacity, officials say.

Transportation officials say dedicated duel left-turn lanes will also be in the southbound direction, along with two through lanes in each direction. In addition, KYTC says a center two-way left turn lane will be added along the corridor, and a raised median will manage access near the intersection with Fairview Avenue.

“In addition to the high traffic volumes, US 31-W provides direct access to numerous medical facilities and commercial businesses, which resulted in the need for greater capacity,” said chief district engineer Joe Plunk.

The lane restrictions are expected to start in the coming weeks and remain in place until well into 2027, transportation officials say.

U.S. 31-W will be reduced to one through lane in each direction from the intersection with a center two-way left-turn lane from Fairview Avenue to Park Street. A single left-turn lane will be maintained on U.S. 31-W at the intersection with Fairview Avenue.

Access will remain open to the hospital and other medical facilities and businesses from U.S. 31-W throughout the duration of construction. However, there are additional access points away from the work zone. The work zone is expected to remain in place until Fall 2027.

According to KYTC, U.S. 31-W currently carries around 18,000 vehicles per day in this section, and reducing traffic to one lane in each direction is expected to create significant congestion.

“The construction period will be challenging, and we ask for the community’s patience as we deliver this needed project,” Joe Plunk said. “In the end, this project will enhance mobility and safety for all users of the bypass corridor.”