LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg, alongside Metro Public Works leaders, announced plans for Louisville’s first-ever Department of Transportation (DOT) on Tuesday.
"So that when we have funds available from the city, from the state, from the federal government, we get these projects done so we don't talk about them for a decade like we've done time and time again," the mayor said.
The Louisville DOT is considered a solution to the city’s nearly $100 million backlog of already funded road projects, like a road redesign project in NuLu which began in June after being in limbo for over a decade. If the project finished sooner, fewer businesses would be stalled by the construction given the area's recent growth.
Five Iron Golf is slated for the next construction phase as roadwork moves to its block. General Manager Faysal Turk said construction is inconvenient but ultimately a benefit for the community. If Louisville's DOT can speed progress up, he's for it.
"If you have an efficient transportation department that's on top of the game and ahead of the planning, then of course. Somebody who's going to follow-up everyday," the manager said. "So there's no playing around."
In June, Metro Council approved $500,000 of the city’s new budget for the Louisville DOT. The new department will have 11 positions for managing transportation projects.
Greenberg said the new department, which is expected to launch next January, will be responsible for public way infrastructure, including planning, design, construction, maintenance and management. He added that Louisville DOT will also work on enhancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the city’s transportation network.
According to city officials, this transportation model has been implemented in other cities across the United States including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle.
“We have seen other cities around the country successfully create and implement local Departments of Transportation and I am confident the Louisville DOT will make it easier for people and businesses to move around our city quickly, safely, and efficiently,” Greenberg said.
Director Jennifer Caumissar-Kern took over Public Works knowing she would build a team making road work happen faster, cheaper and with more city oversight.
"The idea is that we would have a dedicated project manager and that would be their job. It is only projects so they are not getting sidelined with 15 other responsibilities," she said.
For Public Works, juggling responsibilities is common. Currently, it handles trash pickup and filling potholes.
Federally-funded projects like Broadway All the Way can take years to complete. That's scheduled to finish in seven years. Dedicated project managers will be responsible for shortening that time.
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