Joe Plunk

Joe Plunk knew that he wanted to be an engineer when he was in high school.

“I had some elective courses with architecture, design and drafting. I was good at science and math,” he said. “I was good with design and drafting. I didn’t necessarily know it would be roadway.”

Plunk, 41, was recently promoted to chief district engineer for the Department of Highways, Bowling Green office that serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd and Warren counties in District 3.

“I’m extremely humbled and grateful for the administration having faith in me to do this role. I’m grateful for the District 3 family. We’ve been working to make things happen,” he said. “The role is really to serve those who are getting the work done. We have a lot of great folks who are loyal public servants. My role is to help them do their jobs as they serve the citizens of the commonwealth.”

Plunk has done “a great job filling in as acting chief as well as continuing his other job duties,” said Wes Watt, public information officer for District 3. Plunk was named acting chief in May, replacing Greg Meredith.

“He has had his plate full the past several months,” Watt said. “We are all looking forward to working with Joe to support him and serve the community of District 3.”

Plunk, a Mulenberg County native, majored in civil engineering at the University of Kentucky with a scholarship from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet paving the way.

“I got on that program and it helped pay for my schooling,” he said. “Part of that agreement is you begin your career working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. I had a job waiting for me.”

After graduating in 1999, Plunk began his career in Madisonville where he worked until 2008.

“I worked in road highway design,” he said.

Plunk moved to Bowling Green to become engineering branch manager for project development, looking after preconstruction activity for the district.

“My responsibilities were for the acquisition of property for the project, the relocation of utilities – everything that occurs prior to the construction,” he said. “I was branch manager until Friday for eight years.”

When Plunk moved to Bowling Green, he immediately understood the growth of Bowling Green and how it had the benefits of being adjacent to Interstate 65 and having Western Kentucky University.

“There are a lot of transportation needs that come with that growth. I also realized how critical it is that agencies work together. Even in the short time I’ve been here I’ve seen the benefits of how when people get together to form a plan they address needs, safety, congestion and connectivity,” he said. “To get infrastructures funded and constructed it takes a lot of people working together. We’re still working on many projects in the Bowling Green area.”

Some of the changes Plunk has seen include the Scottsville Road interchange, the roundabout at U.S. 31-W By-Pass and University Boulevard and the widenings of I-65 and Nashville Road.

“It’s hard to imagine how (Nashville Road) would’ve functioned if that had not occurred,” he said. “We had the excitement of seeing our first roundabout.”

The upcoming connection from I-65 to Louisville Road at the Kentucky Transpark will be beneficial, Plunk said.

“There are a lot of commuters who would use that,” he said. “It also benefits the industry at the transpark.”

Plunk’s main goal is to continue the “great working relationship that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has with community stakeholders.”

“We want to get feedback on what transportation needs exist and maintain a safe transportation system in how we maintain existing roads,” he said. 

— Follow features reporter Alyssa Harvey on Twitter @bgdnfeatures or visit bgdailynews.com.