And while the bypass is not a direct connector to Interstate 75, it is one step — a major one — in the process. Both projects go hand-in-hand because the I-75 connector will intersect with the bypass project.
The $100-million-plus project would spilt east off U.S. 27 and would cut through some 8 miles of land, running over Ky. 39 and Ky. 169.
There is no doubt that there are and will be landowners who are up in arms over this. At this point, the plan will affect 26 property owners just in the southern part of the planned route. Already houses have been moved by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in the West Place subdivision, and there are more that will follow.
But one thing keeps coming to mind — the greater good. To quote Spock and James T. Kirk from 1982’s “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The needs of the many ... outweigh the needs of the few.”
The eastern bypass equals economic development, and it will also ease the congested commuter and commercial traffic that currently goes up and down Nicholasville’s Main Street and U.S. 27.
Greater economic development also means more jobs will come to Jessamine County, and this area needs jobs because Census data has shown that this area is the fifth-fastest growing community in Kentucky.
There is a reason for this — our community is growing, and like it or not, there will be growing pains.
