By CHRIS HARRIS, Staff Writer
Somerset — A Kentucky Department of Highways worker took a harrowing fall Friday afternoon while working on the new partial cloverleaf interchange in Burnside.
Bobby Tarter, part of the traffic and signal crew at the site, is listed in serious condition at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Tarter was working on the overpass going over U.S. 27 at the intersection with Ky. 1247 and Ky. 90 when the accident occurred at around 2 p.m. Friday. Keith Price of the Parkers Mill Fire Department, which responded to the scene along with the Burnside Fire Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, and Somerset Emergency personnel, said that Tarter likely took a step backward and lost his footing, falling about 15 feet down in the vicinity of the nearby railroad tracks.
The Department of Highways could not confirm yet what happened to cause the accident because an investigation was still underway as of presstime. Stephanie Daffron, information officer for the District 8 Kentucky Department of Highways, said Tarter was possibly in the process of putting up signposts when the incident took place.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with (Tarter’s) family, and we hope to see him back at work soon,” said Daffron. “He is a wonderful employee.”
Price said that Tarter suffered head trauma and possibly a skull fracture. He was treated by EMS workers at the scene before being flown out by Air Method, formerly Life-Net, to the UK hospital.
Kentucky Department of Highways Engineers had announced earlier this week that the new interchange was set to open on Thursday, February 12, if weather permits. The $25.4 million project is designed to eliminate traffic congestion at the junction of four-lane U.S. 27, Ky. 90 and Ky. 1247.
Mark Foster, project engineer, said existing traffic signals at the intersection will be removed and no lighted signals are planned at the interchange. Signs will be installed at appropriate points at the interchange and Highway Department engineers advised the traveling public to “pay very close attention” to the signs until motorists familiarize themselves with the ramps.
“(Tarter) was doing something to make (the interchange) safe for everyone else,” said Daffron. “It’s tragic.”
