Major Infrastructure Project Begins in Louisville
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg recently announced that the Reimagine 9th Street project has officially broken ground. This initiative aims to transform key transportation routes in the city, focusing on converting one-way streets into two-way streets to improve connectivity and safety.
The project is set to revitalize major transportation corridors between West Louisville and downtown. Specifically, it will convert Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street/River Park Drive between 9th Street and Southwestern Parkway from one-way to two-way streets. The first phase of construction began on Wednesday, July 23, and is expected to last until the summer of 2026.
“This phase of the project marks one of the most significant one-way to two-way street conversions in Metro’s history,” said Mayor Greenberg. “It’s part of a larger effort to reconnect Downtown Louisville with our west end neighborhoods. This isn’t just about reconstructing roadways, it’s about removing physical and psychological barriers to reunite neighborhoods and create a more unified, safer and accessible city for everyone.”
Benefits of Two-Way Street Conversions
Two-way street conversions have been shown to offer several advantages:
- Slow down traffic and reduce crash severity: By reversing the direction of traffic, vehicles tend to move at lower speeds, which can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents.
- Enable more direct emergency response: Emergency services such as police, fire, and EMS can reach incidents more quickly when streets are two-way.
- Make businesses more visible and easier to find: Businesses along the route will be more accessible and noticeable to drivers and pedestrians alike.
- Decrease the distance motorists have to travel: Two-way streets often allow for more efficient routing, reducing the overall travel distance for drivers.
- Simplify access to, from and along bus routes: Public transit can operate more efficiently on two-way streets, improving accessibility for residents.
Key Components of the First Phase
The initial phase of the Reimagine 9th Street project includes several key components:
- Two-way conversions for multiple areas, including Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street/River Park Drive between 9th Street and Southwestern Parkway.
- Improvements at the I-264 intersection, which is a critical junction for local and regional traffic.
- Traffic signal upgrades and conversions to stop signs in applicable locations to enhance safety and efficiency.
These changes are designed to make the streets safer and more user-friendly for all who use them.
Future Phases and Long-Term Vision
In addition to the first phase, the project will continue with further improvements. The next phase will involve converting 9th Street from a six-lane thoroughfare into a narrower roadway. This change is intended to slow traffic and create more active public spaces, encouraging pedestrian activity and community engagement.
The total cost of the Reimagine 9th Street project is nearing $25 million. This funding is largely supported by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE program, which provides financial assistance for transportation projects that promote economic growth and community development.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in Louisville’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. By reimagining key transportation corridors, the city is working toward a future that is more connected, safer, and more inclusive for all.
