A gateway entrance at the Red River Gorge to improve access, safety, and capacity while fostering tourism and economic growth opportunities

KY 11 Bridge Over Mountain Parkway

In Slade, Kentucky, increased visitorship—and a potential tourism initiative to construct a luxury resort near the nationally protected Red River Gorge—is driving the need for transportation improvements. To meet current and future travel demands, there is an increased necessity for a new bridge over the Mountain Parkway and for upgrades to be made to the intersecting roadways.

Understanding the region’s tourism-driven infrastructure needs and the potential for economic growth opportunities, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet committed preliminary design funds to improve the KY 11 Highway—the primary entry to the Gorge. Our Community Development group performed a tourism study for Red River Gorge Economic Development that identified a signature bridge as a key feature for access to the resort.

The proposed bridge would span the Mountain Parkway from KY 15 to KY 11, then continue on new alignment for anticipated resort development accessibility. Our team of engineers, architects, and environmental professionals are assisting the Cabinet with the conceptual design of a gateway bridge that accentuates the area’s natural beauty.

Ultimately, the project will improve access, safety, and capacity at the Red River Gorge.