LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Lane closures have plagued Main Street for a while, and most of those are to get ready for the transition of the road from a one-way to a two-way.
In June 2025, construction began on the section of Main Street from Wenzel Street to Second Street. Crews have been working on upgrading crosswalks and intersections along with adding a protected bike lane.
At that time, the entire construction — including the conversion — was expected to be done by spring of 2026.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the change to two-way traffic won't begin until late this summer. They said keeping traffic one-way is to reduce congestion and traffic conflicts.
State transportation officials were asked whether the delayed timeline was connected to the upcoming five-mile closure of Interstate 65 beginning in June.
In response, a KYTC spokesperson said the agency is "continuing to coordinate all major projects and traffic impacts in the Louisville area."
Andy Blieden is the developer of Butcher Block on Main Street. The part of the street in front of his businesses was already converted to a two-way. Now, he and other business owners are waiting for the rest of it.
"There has not been a wreck since they reconfigured, and there were tons of wrecks before," said Blieden. "It's going to be safer, it's going to be better for the businesses, it's something that's desperately needed."
Crews are expected to finish paving the left two lanes of Main Street by Thursday evening. The city will then close the right two lanes down and pave those through Thursday, May 29.
The right lane of Second Street near Main Street and the left turn lane on Main Street will remain closed through the end of the entire construction.
The exact date for the two-way conversion has not been confirmed.
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