MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky.---Leaders had spoken out against a portion of the plan that halted the whole thing.
The project widens the Olivet Church Road from James Sanders Boulevard near the former Bucket's restaurant to U.S. 60.
A second leg includes a new access road that runs through the Kentucky Oaks Mall area, and that's the part of the project creating controversy.

The city of Paducah and McCracken County hammered out the issues.
County leaders were hesitant about this project. 
What changed that tonight?
The County Judge Executive told me he was mostly concerned about the rights of property owners but tonight those concerns were addressed and a project that affects a very busy area moves forward.

Both city and county leaders behind the same desk in city commission chambers.
The two groups had been at odds over this road project that completes the widening of Olivet Church Road and builds a brand new access road, running through the Kentucky Oaks Mall area.
We caught up with McCracken County Judge executive Van Newberry after a two hour closed door executive meeting.

"It was a very civil discussion, we made sure that both sides understood all the different parts of the discussion and I think everybody does so we're all on one page," Newberry said.

He said the county was concerned those who own property in the way of progress might be treated unfairly.

"It's not something any local government should take lightly and there's always the argument is eminent domain even fair to do," Newberry said.

But Newberry says the city assured him that landowners would be given a fair price for their property, and most landowners are satisfied with their offers.
Something everyone was glad to hear, and as of tonight the project gets a green light.
Newberry said no houses are in the way only property.  He said next summer the state will start moving utilities to make room for the widened Olivet Church Road and the new access road.

The county said they're not sure because not all the property has been purchased, but the state slated $2 million for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation.

Newberry says he's not sure when construction will be complete.