Crews begin surveying at proposed bypass site near BlueOval SK plant

GLENDALE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As construction continues on the multibillion-dollar BlueOval SK plant in Glendale, Kentucky, a new bypass extension is being considered for the area.

But some residents are concerned about the changing landscape around their homes.

Steve Dillard has lived in his home in Glendale for more than 40 years. Now, his biggest neighbor is the new 3,600-acre BlueOval SK plant.

"This road right here was a very quiet road," Dillard said. "Now you got people driving 60, 70, and 80 mph on it and passing one another."

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is considering a plan to make Kentucky 222 a cut-through from Mud Splash Road to New Glendale Road to ease up on future truck plant traffic.

Glendale traffic plan — Proposed traffic plan in Glendale, Ky.

"I don't even go toward Glendale or toward the interstate anymore because of the way they've got things laid out," Dillard said.

Last October, a Glendale mobility study was released. The initial bypass plans, which included the possibility of removing homes, has been put on hold.

The Mud Splash Road connector is still a consideration. Surveyors will be out over the next couple of weeks to gauge the possibility of that bypass shortcut.

"We want to make sure that people see those surveyors out, that they understand what they are doing and not speculate ahead of what is actually going on," said Chris Jessie, a spokesperson for KYTC. "To do that, you have to do all the initial groundwork. You have to do the Geotechnical, we have to make sure that everything we don't see by the eye is seen in planning."

While BlueOval SK's first battery plant is on track to open in 2025, its second facility has paused any future production due to uncertainty about electric vehicle demands.

Construction on building two is continuing.

Dillard hopes he and his neighbors will be updated when it coms to the possibility of more traffic near their homes and how to get their voices heard again.

"I would kind of like to know what is going on," Dillard said. "After all, this is home."

KYTC hopes to have a better plan regarding that bypass extension later this spring.

BlueOval is currently hiring for the plants. To look at job listings or to apply, click here.

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