We're on the road today on the campus of Western Kentucky University here in Bowling Green.

It's a busy time of year as thousands of students are preparing to move in and start the fall semester.

We'll hear from CU's president, Doctor Timothy Carbone, tomorrow here on Kentucky Edition.

Well, today we're discussing the future of Warren County and how county leaders are preparing for major growth.

That story and more coming up in just a bit.

But first, a major infrastructure project in the state is entering its new phase, a next phase for them.

Today in London, state leaders announced that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded $147 million contract to widen an almost six mile stretch of I-75 between Whitley County and Laurel County.

This marks the next phase in expanding I-75 from a four lane to six lane interstate and making it a high capacity route through southeastern and southern Kentucky.

Lawmakers said the expansion will be key for long term economic growth in the region.

The advancement of the widening of Interstate 75 between Whitley and Laurel counties is about far more than asphalt.

This widening is about adding capacity, capacity for economic growth, for tourism, for safer travel, and building a stronger connection between our communities and the rest of the Commonwealth.

Today, because we have focused on building a regional economy.

These roads have become a way, in a way, in for new businesses, a way in for visitors who want to experience our natural beauty, our hospitality and our culture.

A way in for opportunity.

It's going to have an economic multiplier that this community really hasn't seen in a while, and it's seen a lot.

But when I say this community, I'm not just talking about London Long County.

I'm talking about Williamsburg, I'm talking about Somerset, I'm probably about Auburn, Barbourville, Manchester, Tyler McKee all the way up and down.

Because this ripples in multiple counties.

Yeah, I think it's going to be a really a game changer for the whole region.

As we heard from the press conference.

You know, this is going to fill up gas stations.

It's going to fill up, hotels.

It's going to fill up restaurants.

And I just think it's going to be an investment over the next several years where, you know, it's going to be an economic driver for the whole community, for tourism when it's done.

And I'm just excited.

And I know my colleagues are as well.

It's going to help our communiti It also includes upgrades to bridges and overpasses within the stretch of I-75.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall.