Bill would require 60‑day notice to cities before lane‑reducing resurfacing on state highways

House Bill 660, proposed by Representative Steve Dohn (House District 69), was reported favorably out of the House Transportation Committee after a sponsor explanation and member questions about scope and timing.

Dohn described the bill as a response to a resurfacing project in Northern Kentucky that reduced a four‑lane road to two lanes without prior notice to local elected officials. "This just says if you're gonna reduce," Dohn said, summarizing the measure's intent to require notice when resurfacing will result in a reduction of through lanes.

The bill defines the limited category of resurfacing projects that trigger the notice requirement: state‑maintained highways where the resurfacing will change the number of through lanes. Under the measure, the sponsor said, the transportation district would provide 60 days' notice before a contract is let or bid out; cities would have 30 days to respond and offer alternative suggestions. The Transportation Department would not be required to adopt city suggestions but would be required to provide the notice and engage in discussion.

Committee members asked whether the language should specify "state roads or highways" and whether all resurfacing projects are covered; the sponsor said the bill applies to state‑maintained highways and only to resurfacing projects that will reduce lanes. A roll call followed and the committee reported HB 660 with a favorable recommendation to the floor; a few members said they would "pass" and consider amendments on the chamber floor.

The bill will now proceed to the House floor for further debate.