With the recent passing of a new six year road plan by the state, Kentucky drivers can expect to see changes coming to many roadways and bridges

H.B. Elkins works with the District 10 Highway Department in Breathitt County and says thanks to a combination of state and federal stimulus money, improvements to Kentucky's roadways are coming.

"This new plan enacted by the Legislature, funds a lot of those behind the scenes things that have to be done before we can start blasting rock and putting down blacktop," said Elkins.

He says state workers are gearing up to tackle bridge replacements, rockfall projects and the widening of roads. He says before the first yard of dirt is moved, right of way purchases and relocation of utilities must occur first.

"We may not be doing construction on those projects in the next year or two years, but we're moving them along to get them ready for construction," he said.

For drivers, it is something to look forward to.

"Well I think the roads could be improved. I think there's a lot of potholes in the roads that could be done better," said driver Sharon Collins.

One major project coming to Breathitt includes the widening of Highway 15 from Jackson to Campton.

"I love this new four lane we're getting and they're getting ready to do the second part of it. And even though it's taking a lot of my friend's houses, it's taking my church, but still we need the improvement, we need our better roads in the county here," said driver Chris Little.

They say hopefully the projects will allow easier access and travel throughout Kentucky.

"They'll make the roads safer, it will make them more suitable for the type of traffic you need to spur economic development," said Elkins.

He says construction on some projects will start as early as fall.

Elkins says in District 10 alone, which is made up of 10 counties, nearly $135 million is being allocated.