CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Riverside Drive's Enhancement Project has taken a break for the winter by reopening the less than half mile length of road for traffic on Monday.
"It is a little bit tedious to try to go for a nice drive down the riverfront, but it's nice that it's back open now," said Jordie Purvis, as she was taking a brisk walk Monday evening.
The project has been underway for 11 months with the purpose of rebuilding and widening Riverside Drive. Bike and walking lanes have been added along the Ohio River Greenway, linking Ashland Park to the City of Jeffersonville near the Restaurant Row area. Safety measures are also included in the street.
"I really like the fact that they are expanding the trail down further," said Purvis. "I think that's good for sure."
Construction is expected to pick back up in spring 2025, finishing the remaining elements like the final top layer of asphalt, road striping and additional plantings.
“The reconstruction of Riverside Drive was much needed and long overdue," Ken Conklin, the communication director for the Town of Clarksville, said in a statement. "The multitude of changes only prove the Town of Clarksville’s commitment to building a safe and prosperous downtown for all to enjoy.”
It's been frustrating, cumbersome and a hinderance for Widow's Walk Ice Creamery owner, Jill Dodson.
"Bills don't stop because of construction," she said.
Dodson said she's worried about the barriers still on the roads.
"I know that I can go around those barriers and I know that the road closed signs are off of them, but there are some people that are still kind of deterred from that," said Dodson.
WHAS11 had a driver ask them if the roads were open while they were in the location.
Dodson said GPS takes people a weird route. DoorDash can't get to the location. Plus, people get confused and turn around. These issues make it hard for her to rely on DoorDash business this winter like in years past.
She's crunched the numbers from this year and found that she's lost 40% of her revenue.
"I took a pretty good hit," said Dodson. "Which really stinks because that 40% is what gets me through the winter."
Now, all she can do is wait.
"I just got to make it now until March when customers will come back," said Dodson.
She said construction crews have until June or July to finish the project, and that in should be open to foot traffic for Thunder Over Louisville.
Click here to find out more about the Riverside Drive Enhancement Project.
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