AREA ADVISORY TEAM REVIEWS TUNNEL DESIGN AND PORTAL OPTIONS FOR KENTUCKY EAST END APPROACH
September 2005 - The Kentucky East End Area Advisory Team (AAT) met on Thursday, September 1 at the Harrod’s Creek Fire Department to discuss design options for the tunnel that will provide access from KY 841 to the East End Bridge.
The tunnel is slated to run underneath U.S. 42 and the historic Drumanard property that sits between River Road and U.S. 42.
Members of the design team from H.W. Lochner, Inc., the engineering firm managing design of the Kentucky East End Approach, presented design options for the tunnel portals, or openings, at the meeting. There was also discussion of design options for the tunnel’s interior and exterior, and a thorough review of considerations for the operation of the tunnel.
Jerry Leslie, section design manager for the Kentucky East End Approach, provided an overview of the status of the project and reviewed the results from the July 21 AAT meeting. He also discussed the projected plan for relocation of the KY 841 ramp at U.S. 42.
Larry Williamson, Hatch Mott MacDonald’s project manager for the East End Tunnel, presented an overview of design guidelines for the tunnels – including an assessment of operations factors, such as ventilation needs, lighting requirements, power system issues, maintenance functions and fire safety requirements. He also addressed drainage, emergency response plans and routine maintenance.
The design team discussed various elements for the tunnel portals, including landscaping, structural considerations and examples of portals from the region. Again, the group stressed its desire for Context Sensitive Design and reviewed several options that would complement the natural and historic features of the area. (Context Sensitive Design seeks design aesthetics based on existing features and structures, so that the new road and tunnel “blend in” to the environment.)
Several interior design options were provided to further explain the many factors involved in planning the tunnel.
One popular example was a creek stone bridge design that would match the area’s notable stonework masonry. In recent meetings, AAT members have favored a creek stone bridge design versus what some members termed a “cookie cutter” design, seen on many interstate highways.
The design team also presented draft drawings to communicate the potential look of the portals, once the tunnels are constructed.
Tunnel portals handout
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