LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Part of River Road in downtown Louisville will soon be getting a makeover. Louisville Metro Public Works plans to redesign the underpass between Third and Seventh Streets in a project that will accommodate all modes of transportation. It is currently in the design phase.
The goal is to transform the underneath of I-64 and the Belvedere into a "park-like setting" to make the space more appealing to pedestrians. The city said right now, the area under the expressway is dark and gloomy, and large pillars create blind spots, making it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to maneuver.
"With reconfiguring this piece, we're really able to get that bicycle and pedestrian connectivity that's sort of lacking today. It's a bit of a squeeze right now if you're going along this area. It must be more accommodating for the car as opposed to for people that might be on foot or bike. And just because this area is so popular and used so widely for recreational purposes, we want to make sure we're accommodating for the uses,” Gretchen Milliken, Director of Advanced Planning, said.
The city said it will also be key in connecting the current Waterfront Park to the west end of the strip.
The changes will align with a bigger plan that includes Playworks at Waterfront Park and more development of the Louisville Loop over the next few years. The makeover will include safety enhancements, decorative lighting, signage, and landscaping.
Construction is estimated to cost $500,000 and is projected to being in 2020.
Public meetings detailing the project will be held June 25 and 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at KMAC. The full plan will be unveiled, along with more renderings.
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