Clarksville's scenic Riverside Drive reopens after being closed for major improvements

CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — Riverside Drive in Clarksville has been closed for the past 11 months, but now it is officially back open.

The view from Ashland Park is hard to beat.

"Between here and Charlestown State Park and Clark State Forest, there's just a lot of places to get out and have some fun," Tim Hawkins said while walking his dog on Saturday.

Hawkins walks his dog along the river and even tries to grab an ice cream cone at Widow's Walk Ice Creamery before leaving.

"I try to explain to people how to get to Falls of the Ohio, and it's kind of a maze getting here. But I've been watching the progress, and it's going to be beautiful when it's all said and done," Hawkins said.

In January, crews closed this area and started construction on Riverside Drive.

"I think projects like this, you need to modernize. You need to keep things fresh for people to want to come down here. And you know, there's a lot of places to go in Southern Indiana, so the prettier you make this, the more likely people are to come here and discover and spend money while they're here," Hawkins said.

The $7 million dollar project has funded new sidewalks, bike paths, and parking. David Berman, who rides his bike in the area often, said he appreciates the long-term investment.

"This is a wonderful place to bike. It's safe. It is beautiful. It follows a river," Berman said. "They've done a splendid job. Everything is first class."

Earlier this year, the town also replaced the aging playground at Ashland Park.

"It's really done well," Berman said. "Bravo."

However, staggered road barriers and detours did impact nearby businesses during peak months, including viewing spots during Thunder Over Louisville.

"Hopefully that's just, you know, the price we pay for, you know, beautifying the area, making it more open and available for people," Hawkins said.

The Indiana Department of Transportation provided 80% of the funding for the project, with the Town of Clarksville's Redevelopment Commission covering the remaining 20%.

It's just the latest step in transforming Clarksville's downtown area.

"I hope to always be able to use this and others are hoping the same," Berman said.

Berman and Hawkins already think the plan to attract new visitors is working.

"It's just good to see people downtown period," Hawkins said.

Crews have finishing touching, including restriping and repaving in the Spring.

The Town of Clarksville provided WDRB a statement on Saturday. It said:

“Like most southern Indiana residents, the Town of Clarksville is excited for the reopening of Riverside Drive near Ashland Park. We hope our residents will love the improvements made to the area. It will only look better this Spring when the finishing touches are completed."

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