Graves Road / I-275 Interchange Design Build

BOONE COUNTY, KY

TRANSPORTATION

Palmer Engineering served as the Lead Design Consultant for the Graves Road reconstruction project, featuring a new Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) Interchange on Interstate 275 (I-275) in Northern Kentucky. Awarded in August 2019, the project included widening Graves Road, enhancing KY 20 and KY 237, and constructing a new bridge over I-275 to improve traffic flow and safety in the corridor.

Palmer Engineering provided comprehensive roadway, structural, and traffic signal design while coordinating utility relocation and right-of-way acquisition. The project was fast-tracked to open the DCD interchange by October 2020. Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and complex right-of-way issues, the team successfully completed the project in August 2022, delivering improved connectivity and safer travel for motorists in the region.

This project highlights Palmer Engineering’s expertise in transportation engineering, interchange design, and infrastructure improvement, contributing to enhanced traffic efficiency and community mobility.

Graves Road, Kentucky with a double diamond crossover.

Unique Aspects

Opportunities

· Design Innovation: The Graves Road project allowed Palmer Engineering to implement a cutting-edge Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange, replacing a traditional diamond interchange. This innovative design improved traffic flow, congestion management, and roadway safety, while also including the reconstruction of a dual-lane roundabout at KY 237.
· Fast-Tracking Construction: The accelerated project timeline showcased Palmer’s expertise in fast-tracking transportation design and construction, successfully meeting the goal of opening the DCD interchange within just one year.
· Utility Coordination: Palmer’s proactive utility coordination and relocation planning minimized potential delays, ensured a smoother construction process, and contributed to the overall success of this major infrastructure improvement project.
Challenges

· Complex Design Approval Process: Transitioning from a rural diamond interchange to a Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange required Palmer Engineering to collaborate closely with KYTC and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to obtain all necessary design approvals, adding complexity to the project’s planning and permitting stages.
· Utility Relocation Coordination: The relocation of multiple utility systems—including water, sewer, and electric—required careful infrastructure coordination and detailed agreements with various utility providers. Palmer developed innovative solutions to minimize construction delays while maintaining uninterrupted utility service.
· Right-of-Way Acquisition: Securing land across 65 parcels presented a significant challenge, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Palmer effectively managed property negotiations and acquisitions to keep the Graves Road reconstruction project on schedule without delaying construction.
Successes

· On-Schedule Completion: Despite complex design approvals, utility relocations, and right-of-way challenges, Palmer Engineering’s proactive coordination and innovative design work kept the Graves Road reconstruction and DCD interchange project on track, with the interchange opening to traffic by October 2020.
· Efficient Utility Management: Palmer’s forward-thinking approach to utility relocation and coordination minimized disruptions, enabling construction to proceed smoothly and maintaining essential services throughout the project.
· Effective Right-of-Way Management: Strategic prioritization of key parcels and close coordination with property owners allowed the team to overcome pandemic-related delays in acquiring right-of-way, ensuring the project remained on schedule.
· Awards: The project received multiple prestigious honors for engineering excellence, including the ACEC Grand Award (2023), ACEC National Award (2023), ASHE Great Lakes Award (2022), and ASHE Bluegrass Award (2022).