TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. — Work will begin this week at the intersection of KY 163 (Tompkinsville Bypass) and KY 100 (Center Point Road), and there's a reason.

The work follows weeks of public concern about the intersection, where motorists and local officials said some drivers were failing to stop at the four-way stop.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is changing the traffic pattern at the intersection in an effort to improve visibility and make the intersection easier for drivers to navigate.

The biggest change is the removal of the truck climbing lanes on both approaches to the intersection along KY 163. Stop signs will also be moved closer to the travel lanes, new signs will be installed to reflect the updated layout and rumble strips will be added to alert drivers as they approach the intersection.

The work began Monday and is expected to be completed this week.

The changes stem from a safety review conducted in 2022 after multiple crashes at the intersection. That evaluation led transportation officials to convert the intersection into a four-way stop in March 2022.

The latest improvements are aimed at making that four-way stop more noticeable to approaching motorists, according to a news release.

“This project is designed to improve the visibility of the stop signs and help drivers recognize the intersection more easily,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 Engineer Joe Plunk said. “These proactive changes will provide clearer visual guidance for motorists while maintaining the safe and efficient movement of traffic.”

The Tompkinsville Bypass opened in late 2020.

Drivers traveling through the area this week should expect work crews at the intersection and are encouraged to slow down, avoid distractions and use extra caution.

Transportation officials also remind motorists that it may take time for drivers to adjust to the new traffic pattern once the work is complete.