Section of Bardstown Road in Louisville to receive $1 million for improvements

August 20, 2021

Al Greenfield,

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) – One million dollars has been committed to improving a section of Louisville’s Bardstown Road to make the corridor safer for pedestrians and improve traffic congestion.

The funds will be allocated through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). KYTC will design the improvements, which will include reconfigured traffic lanes, designated turn lanes at signalized intersections, sidewalk enhancements, new striping and resurfacing, among other things. Louisville Metro will be in charge of having the work done. Construction could begin in summer 2022 and be completed by the winter.

“Bardstown Road is a major artery through Louisville with schools, businesses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists and we want to improve safety for all of them along this important route,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We have been working throughout the commonwealth to improve safety and infrastructure and this $1 million commitment is another step toward improving safety on our roadways.”

“The goal of this project is to improve safety throughout the Bardstown Road corridor,” said Matt Bullock, chief district engineer for KYTC District 5, in Louisville. “The project adds designated turn lanes at signalized intersections and this type of lane reconfiguration has been successfully implemented in Kentucky and across the United States as a proven roadway innovation.”

“We want every resident to get where they need to go efficiently and safely, no matter the mode of transportation,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “We appreciate the continued support and partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet so we can address long-needed safety challenges along one of our city’s most iconic corridors.”

HSIP projects are data-driven and tailored to specific areas to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. So far this year, KYTC has awarded 24 HSIP projects totaling $25.8 million.

Since 2020, KYTC District 5 has partnered with Louisville Metro Public Works and the Transportation Authority of River City (TARC) to enhance the Bardstown Road Corridor (US 31E) between Eastern Parkway (US 60 A) and Broadway (US 150), using results of a safety study conducted by Louisville Metro Public Works in 2018.

Details of the project include:

Removal of overhead reversible lane assignment lights/signs and installation of improved signage.
Curb extensions and crosswalks to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Modifying the corridor from four reversible lanes to two driving lanes, thereby increasing the number of 24-hour, on-street parking spaces to address the needs of local businesses and residents.