River Road near Zorn Avenue reopens after construction, bringing relief to businesses

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Water Company's effort to replace aging pipes on River Road entered a new phase, providing some relief for local businesses near Zorn Avenue.

The two-year construction project launched by the Louisville Water Company, is set to span from Zorn Avenue to Prospect. It began in early March, but the impact on businesses along the route was felt immediately.

River Road BBQ is one of several restaurants along River Road that have had a tough few months. From severe weather and flood damage to major road construction blocking access, businesses in the area have had to adjust this spring.

"We're doing a pop-up tent style sale, we're selling barbecue from a tent," said Krissy Davis, general manager of River Road BBQ.

Davis is relieved the waterline replacement project has moved away from her restaurant and into a new phase.

"It's very helpful that people can get to us easily," Davis said.

Last week, Louisville Water announced the construction work moved to Zone 2.

"We work really fast to get in and get out so where we have businesses closer to the Zorn (Avenue) area now, they're all open," Kelley Dearing Smith with Louisville Water Company. "Roads are paved, it's beautiful. Please go out and enjoy the weather and have a great meal."

The work has closed large sections of the busy road that connects Prospect to downtown Louisville.

Louisville Water said it's making good progress. Crews have installed 37% of the project's pipe, in three months, as of May 31.

"This project is moving very quickly up River Road, we've already installed more than 1,000 pieces of pipe," Dearing Smith said.

Now the stretch of River Road between Blankenbaker Lane and Lime Kiln Lane is closed to through traffic. Drivers may need to detour around the construction during rolling closures.

"Right now we're working in a more residential area, so we're working directly with those home owners to make sure they always have access to their homes," Dearing Smith said.

Restaurants down the road hope business flows their way.

"We are open and fully functional even if you can't get from downtown to Prospect, you can easily get to us," Davis said.

River Road BBQ is currently open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and open noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant plans to host a grand reopening June 14.

Work in Zone 2 is expected to last three to six months. The goal is to finish most of the work by next summer.

The Louisville Water Company expects the project to take about two years to complete. In ideal weather conditions, the company aims to lay about 200 feet of pipe per day.

To learn more about the project, click here.

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