A proposed walking and bicycling lane could be included as part of the planned redesign of U.S. 127 between Jamestown and Russell Springs.
Troy Hearn is the Active Living Program Manager with the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Hearn works through the State Physical Activity and Nutrition—or SPAN—Program to help communities develop walking and bicycling plans.
In an interview with WJRS NEWS, Hearn says the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 8 office approached the program a few years ago about adding pedestrian and bicycle improvements to the U.S. 127 project. Planning began in early 2025 for wide sidewalks and a bike-walk lane extending through portions of both cities.
The bike-walk lane is incorporated into the project’s early design, although the overall plan has not received final approval. Hearn says he is hopeful the pedestrian and bicycle improvements remain in the finished design, noting there is already considerable walking traffic—and some bicycle traffic—along U.S. 127.
Bike-walk master plans supporting the improvements have been adopted by the city councils in Jamestown and Russell Springs. Residents can also follow the project and offer input through quarterly Regional Transportation Committee meetings at the Lake Cumberland Area Development District.
Hearn talked about similar projects completed in other Kentucky communities.
Addressing possible concerns about cost, Hearn said money allocated for the U.S. 127 redesign consists of dedicated transportation funds. He also credited local leaders for helping advance the project through what he described as a highly competitive statewide process.
Hearn thanked the governments of Jamestown and Russell Springs, the Lake Cumberland Area Development District and the Russell County Health Department for partnering with the Kentucky Department for Public Health on the proposed improvements.
A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet rendering illustrates how a shared bike-and-walk path can be incorporated alongside a state highway. Courtesy: KYTC District 6.
