TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is moving forward with safety improvements at the Tompkinsville Bypass intersection following weeks of concerns from motorists and local officials.

The intersection of the Tompkinsville Bypass (Ky. 163) and Ky. 100 became the focus of renewed discussion after residents raised concerns about drivers failing to stop at the four-way stop.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet met Tuesday to discuss the issue, and District Highway Engineer Joe Plunk outlined several changes that will be made to the roadway, according to State Rep. Amy Neighbors.

The planned improvements include:

• Eliminating the passing lane;
• Removing several roadway signs;
• Relocating the STOP and STOP AHEAD signs closer to the pavement to improve visibility; and
• Installing rumble strips to alert motorists as they approach the intersection.

The Transportation Cabinet is issuing a work order to the contractor, and under the terms of the contract, the work must be completed within 14 days. Officials estimate the changes will be finished no later than July 31.

Neighbors shared the update following discussions with U.S. Rep. James Comer and State Sen. Max Wise regarding safety concerns at the intersection.

“Thank you to everyone who brought these concerns forward,” Neighbors said. “Public safety remains our top priority, and I appreciate the Transportation Cabinet’s prompt attention to this matter.”

The intersection has been the subject of public discussion in recent weeks after motorists shared videos and photos on social media showing vehicles traveling through the four-way stop without stopping.

A video reviewed by Barrenside showed a semi-truck traveling through the intersection without stopping, raising additional concerns about the potential danger for motorists.

The four-way stop was installed in March 2022 after the Transportation Cabinet changed the traffic pattern at the intersection. Before that change, traffic on Ky. 100 was required to stop while traffic on the bypass continued through the intersection.

Comer previously said his office received numerous calls, texts and other inquiries from Monroe County residents concerned about safety at the intersection.

Officials had discussed several possible solutions, including warning lights and rumble strips, a roundabout, or returning the intersection to its previous traffic pattern.