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Dixie Highway urging drivers not to park on new sidewalks

Maneuvering through construction can be stress inducing, especially during your morning commute. We've learned some drivers are taking the law into their own hands.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The brand new sidewalks are all a part of the New Dixie Highway Project and while most of us know that sidewalks are meant to be walked on, some drivers need reminding that you're not supposed to park on these sidewalks and you're definitely not supposed to drive on them.

The sidewalks are boulevard style and were widened to 8 feet. 

Kerri Richardson is the Project Spokesperson, "And we are noticing a lot of vehicles who are either driving on sidewalks to get in between businesses or parking on the sidewalks to do some work."

The pictures show trucks parking on sidewalks. The new project is in Councilman Rick Blackwell's district, "The fact is that it is a problem on a lot of levels, especially being that sidewalks just aren't made for a car or truck to be up on it."

The sidewalks alone cost 1.5 million dollars. Pedestrian safety is a huge part of the project. 

"They are designed to encourage pedestrians to stay on them but pedestrians and bicyclists can't use those sidewalks if there is a truck parked on the sidewalk," said Richardson. 

Councilman Rick Blackwell drives Dixie Highway every day. He says the sidewalks won't last if people continue to drive or park on them. He also says a majority of people are following the rules.

"Of all the people that travel down Dixie Highway it's a very small group, but it's a frustrating group because it's going against the intent of the sidewalks," said Richardson.

Last week a truck got stuck on top of one of the new medians. It's not clear how or why the driver ended up on the median.

"We want to make sure that investment is protected so use it correctly, use your crosswalks, go up to turn lanes and make the correct turns, don't try to drive over the medians and for goodness sake, don't drive on the sidewalks," said Richardson. 

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