Drivers, businesses adapt as Main Street two-way conversion progresses in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Drivers in downtown Louisville may encounter a bumpier commute as the city continues work to convert Main Street into a two-way corridor.

The $5.4 million “Main Remade” project, led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, aims to improve accessibility, enhance pedestrian safety, and reduce crashes by adding curbs, sidewalks, and bump-outs.

When completed, portions of westbound Main Street will carry traffic both east and west from NuLu to 22nd Street.

Crews have already begun installing new stop signs, including at 10th and Main streets, part of the project’s three phases. Some drivers, however, are treating the signs as suggestions rather than requirements.

“Since they put this up yesterday, I am talking about people just flying by — they are not stopping at the stop sign,” said Derika Briscoe, a local worker near the intersection.

The new signs include lights to alert drivers but locals said getting used to the changes will take time.

“They’re used to those two being right there, so of course they are going to stop, but these people right here — vroooom — they just keep on going,” Briscoe said.

Business owners along the corridor are also adjusting. Kerry Caufield, who works at Caufield’s Novelty at 10th and Main, said drivers have not slowed down to navigate the new four-way stop.

“I was watching them yesterday just to see what was happening because they are not even slowing down,” Caufield said.

Residents and workers expect it will take some time before drivers fully adapt to the changes, though accidents at the intersection have historically been rare.

Officials say the Main Street two-way conversion is expected to be complete in the spring. For more information on the project, click here.

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