By Stu Johnson, Kentucky Public Radio The Kentucky Speedway and state government have announced a plan to alleviate traffic congestion at the track on major race days. This summer’s inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup race was marred by a traffic jam and parking shortage that left thousands of motorists stranded for hours. Now, the track’s owner has purchased 143 acres for additional parking and hired professional parking and engineering services. Tim Bray with Kentucky Speedway says it’s a big step and should reduce race day stress.“This goes a long way to making it better. I don’t know exactly how many parking spaces we’re gonna have available on the new parcel of land, but it’s gonna be significant,” he said. Track officials estimate the improvements will expand event day parking by about 35 percent. The state will also improve highways around the northern Kentucky track. Among them is a three lane ramp southbound off I-71, widening a portion of state highway 35 and the construction of a pedestrian tunnel. Those improvements are expected to cost $3.6 million
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.