The E2RC In Kentucky: Connecting Two Cities For Better Economic Growth And Safety

The E2RC. Photo from www.qk4.com. Used with permission. 

While many are aware that completion of E2RC (Elizabethtown to Radcliff Connector) will not be until sometime next year, the residents of Radcliff, Elizabethtown, and Hardin County cannot wait for the changes in terms of safety, ease of traffic, and a more comfortable drive.

The E2RC project started in late 2004 with just proposals and talks. Eventually, this project came to life in 2008 and is scheduled to be complete in July 2014. The construction process may have seen many delays due to the weather and the relocation of some parts, but all the sacrifice will be seen once the road connector is done.

For those who are not fully aware of the E2RC, this is the Elizabethtown Radcliff road connector that's broken down into three sections. The first section runs from 31W Bypass to Ceciliana Dr., the second section runs from Ceciliana Drive to KY 220, and the last section runs from KY 220 to KY 313. This road connector will ease up a lot of traffic, especially along those areas affected. While this is undergoing construction there have already been several businesses affected from the construction, such as True Value along N. Dixie Blvd.

The targeted total cost for E2RC is at $58.6 million and while there has been some setbacks, it is all systems go and soon all the residents around the Fort Knox area will be happily using this road connector.

One of the biggest problems along the road between Elizabethtown and Radcliff is the major congestions and traffic accidents from the daily hustle and bustle. There have also been instances where people would be advised to take alternate routes because of a major road accident. Once the E2RC is finished a lot of the traffic congestion will ease up and there should be smooth driving throughout the roads.

In terms of commercial possibilities, It is likely to happen once everything has settled down. There is a lot of potential areas within the E2RC that should welcome investors and business owners to set up shop. The land being utilized for the E2RC is mostly residential and has no major slopes. Let us cross our fingers that once this road connector has reached completion, there will be people interested in investing and keep the economy of both Radcliff and Elizabethtown flourishing. Small business owners who would like to expand or start business should also look forward to the finishing of this connector.

A police officer from the Radcliff Police Department cannot wait [for the E2RC to finish] because he would like to see less accidents along the road especially during the cold winter months.

Aside from the commercial point of view for the E2RC, there are also plans to develop some areas into new residential communities and this is great news, no matter where you choose to live (radcliff or Elizabethtown) you will still be close to both communities.

The E2RC, has already been given a new name with the blessing of  the Public Works Committee under the Hardin Fiscal Court. Elizabethtown has already accepted the new name as Patriot Parkway. Meetings will still be held in Radcliff to see if this name should stay or not. The bulk of the road connector will just run through small areas in Elizabethtown and Radcliff but business will be affected and everyone is hoping for a favorable outcome once this reaches its completion.

While this E2RC is a limited highway, there have already been talks whether they should include more lanes and more turns to further enhance the traffic system that will be in place between Radcliff and Elizabethtown.

Mr. Randy Acton of Semonin Commercial Properties and also a resident of Hardin County says that: “Well, for sure the traffic flow will be better especially the traffic along the Dixie Highway.”

There are still months before this is all done but remember, Rome wasn't built in a day so let’s all hope for the best once the E2RC is completely finished.