Proposed Improvements to US-460 in Kentucky Counties

Public meetings held to gather feedback on 'two plus one' road design changes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of rough, pebbled asphalt road surface in muted earth tones, conveying the materiality and texture of infrastructure in need of upgrades.Proposed road improvements aim to enhance safety and support economic growth along a vital transportation corridor in eastern Kentucky.Paintsville Today

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held public meetings this week to discuss proposed improvements to a 14-mile stretch of US-460 between the cities of Paintsville and Salyersville in Johnson and Magoffin counties. The plan includes adding alternating passing lanes and a striped median buffer, which officials say will improve safety and support economic development in the region.

Why it matters

The US-460 corridor is a vital transportation route connecting several rural communities in eastern Kentucky. Upgrading the road design could help reduce accidents and make it easier for residents and businesses to access the area, supporting economic growth.

The details

The proposed 'two plus one' design would add alternating passing lanes and a striped median buffer along the 14-mile stretch of US-460. Transportation officials are seeking public feedback on the plans through online surveys. Johnson County Judge-Executive Mark McKenzie noted the improvements are important for both safety and economic development in the region.

  • The first public meeting was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2026 at Johnson Central High School.
  • An additional public meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at Magoffin County High School.

The players

Shantana Woodward

A representative of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet who provided details about the proposed road improvements.

Mark McKenzie

The Johnson County Judge-Executive who attended the public meeting and discussed the importance of the road upgrades for safety and economic development.

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What they’re saying

“People can go online to our social media pages where there will be a QR code and a link where they can fill out a survey and tell us their thoughts.”

— Shantana Woodward, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Representative

“Ultimately the goal is we are trying to improve the safety of the folks traveling on the roadway, and second of all it provides opportunity for ourselves to improve economically because it creates a better roadway for people to come do business with us here in Johnson County.”

— Mark McKenzie, Johnson County Judge-Executive

What’s next

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will review public feedback from the meetings and determine next steps for the proposed US-460 improvements.

The takeaway

Upgrading the US-460 corridor through Johnson and Magoffin counties could enhance road safety and support economic development in the region, but will require balancing public input with the transportation needs of the community.