CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — The Town of Clarksville announced Thursday that a major street on the town's riverside will be closed during Thunder Over Louisville.
“It was with great consideration that we have decided to have a complete closure of Riverside Drive during Thunder,” Clarksville Chief of Police Nathan Walls said. “In the best interest of public safety, thousands of people exiting in the dark through a major construction area proposes too much risk.”
In February, officials announced a ten-month closure to allow crews to upgrade storm drainage, sanitary sewer and water facilities as a part of the Riverside Drive enhancement project.
Crews will soon begin installing new lighting, adding on-street parking, sidewalks and protected bike lanes. The goal of the project is to beautify the area, make it more accessible and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Originally, the pedestrian traffic plan for Clarksville included opening an eight-foot-wide path through the construction zone during Thunder Over Louisville, to allow access for spectators to travel along the river from Jeffersonville to Clarksville.
Clarksville emergency responders reportedly decided the risk to public safety would be too great for this temporary pathway, therefore, there will no longer be pedestrian access for those wishing to travel between the Jeffersonville and Clarksville riverfront.
City officials did say pedestrians will still be able to access Ashland Park via West Winbourne Avenue and South Sherwood Avenue.
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