Turner, who served Kentucky’s 85th district, was instrumental in the funding, design and construction of Ky. 461 infrastructure project
The overpass connecting the community’s largest industrial complex to Ky. 461 in eastern Pulaski County, improving safety and alleviating congestion for the thousands of employees and residents in the area, will officially be named the Tommy Turner Bridge.
A plaque featuring the future designation was unveiled Friday in a surprise ceremony for Turner, the former state representative for Kentucky’s 85th district, at Hendrickson USA in Valley Oak Commerce Complex. Turner advocated for this infrastructure project during his time in the legislature and was instrumental in obtaining funding for its design and construction. He served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1997 to 2021.
The bridge, which spans Ky. 461 and connects both sides of Valley Oak, helps steer southbound traffic exiting Valley Oak Commerce Complex back onto the busy state road safely. It has been an integral piece of a greater transportation project in this region that has created better synergy and a safer industrial complex for all, Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) President and CEO Chris Girdler said. Coupled with the widening of Ky. 461 to Buck Creek and the new cloverleaf interchange at Ky. 461 and 80, the bridge has significantly improved traffic flow and safety on this heavily trafficked highway, Girdler said, which is a major artery for Valley Oak employees and tourists traveling to Lake Cumberland from Interstate 75.
“Our community and our economy are greatly benefitting from Tommy Turner’s vision and dedication to this project,” Girdler said. “Without his foresight and determination, the employees of Valley Oak Commerce Complex, tourists and the residents of this area could still be faced with transportation hazards from traffic congestion near the park’s entrance. Simply put, our community is better for Tommy’s service to this project, and it is only fitting that we recognize and honor him in this way.”
The plaque will be positioned near the bridge and dedicated by the region’s state legislators — State Sen. Rick Girdler and Reps. Shane Baker, Josh Branscum, Josh Bray, David Meade and Ken Upchurch — as well as SPEDA and Girdler, Judge Executive Marshall Todd and Pulaski County Fiscal Court, Mayor Alan Keck and Somerset City Council, the residents of Somerset and Pulaski County, and the employees and employers of Valley Oak Commerce Complex. The inscription reads:
Know ye that this bridge is hereby designated as the future “Tommy Turner Bridge.” Tommy Turner, having successfully and passionately served as a Kentucky State Representative for 24 years, was instrumental in the design, funding and construction of this overpass spanning a busy highway and connecting the largest commerce complex in Somerset and Pulaski County. Valley Oak Commerce Complex employs thousands of our region’s residents. Through Turner’s foresight, vision and hard work, our residents now have a safe route to travel. This infrastructure project prepares our community for decades of future growth. Inasmuch as Tommy Turner has worked tirelessly for the residents of the Lake Cumberland region and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, we deem this recognition most worthy and appreciate Tommy Turner’s years of service.
Turner reflected on how the project came about with the room full of state and local leaders, friends and family who gathered to surprise him with the dedication.
“Thing of it is, a lot of people played a very important part in this,” Turner said. “It was a group effort. … I appreciate today. I appreciate my family being here. This means a lot.”