County approves Hidden Valley Road bank stabilization project for flood prevention

In the heart of Oldham County, a pressing issue regarding road safety and environmental stability took center stage during the Fiscal Court meeting on May 6, 2025. As the sun streamed through the windows of the county hall, Jim Sullivan, the county engineer, presented a critical plan for the Hidden Valley Road Stabilization Project, aimed at safeguarding a vital stretch of roadway from the encroaching waters of a nearby stream.

Hidden Valley Road, a little over a mile long and located in the northeastern part of the county, has recently come under threat. Sullivan recounted how, just a month prior, Road Superintendent Ben Kimbler alerted him to the alarming proximity of the stream to the road surface. The area, situated within a 100-year flood zone, faced potential disaster as floodwaters rose, prompting immediate action.

Sullivan detailed the proposed solution: a bank stabilization project involving the installation of concrete segmental structures to reinforce the eroding bank. The estimated cost for this crucial work stands at $140,553.82, but there is good news for county taxpayers. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has agreed to reimburse $100,000 of the total cost, leaving the county responsible for approximately $40,000.

The road committee, having reviewed the proposal, expressed strong support for the project, recognizing the urgency of the situation. "This is a really good deal to get this situation taken care of," one committee member remarked, highlighting the importance of swift action to prevent further erosion and potential road loss.

As discussions unfolded, questions arose about the road's maintenance status. Sullivan clarified that while Hidden Valley Road is not paved, it has been part of the county's maintenance system since 1995, serving several small properties and camps along its route. The stabilization efforts will not involve paving but will focus on preventing erosion to ensure the road remains safe for use.

With the proposal moving forward, the Fiscal Court is poised to take decisive action to protect both the infrastructure and the residents who rely on Hidden Valley Road. As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency and commitment to community safety resonated throughout the room, leaving attendees hopeful for a swift resolution to this pressing issue.