LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Crews installing new water lines on River Road in Louisville said they're ahead of schedule.

The Louisville Water Company's Residual Line Project comes with a significant traffic impact for those who drive in the area. 

The company said Thursday crews are "making significant progress" in the project, which consists of installing two 24-inch in diameter pipes along River Road.

This week, crews are working on the portion of River Road near Blankenbaker Lane as part of the first phase of the project. That intersection is currently closed so crews can lay pipe across it. Crews will also be paving the area where work has already been completed. 

The project, launched by the Louisville Water Company, is set to span from Zorn Avenue to Prospect. 

In phases, Louisville Water is replacing a residual water line from the water tower to its treatment plant in Prospect. The first phase started between Zorn Avenue and Blankenbaker Lane.

You can still get to the businesses and restaurants in the area, but may need to use a different route to get there.

  • Drivers trying to access Thurman-Hutchins Park, Cox Park, Different Strokes, Louisville Islamic Center, or Louisville Boat Club should use River Road from Indian Hills Trail.
  • Drivers trying trying to access River Road west of Louisville Turners should take use River Road at Zorn Avenue or Mockingbird Valley Road.
  • To access Louisville Turners, Waldoah Beach Road, and Wagners Beach Road from River Road, use Zorn Avenue or Mockingbird Valley Road.
  • Drivers trying to access the Riviera Neighborhood (Riverside Drive, W Riverside Drive, E Riverside Drive, Riviera Drive) should use Blankenbaker Lane.

LWC said it expects the first phase/Zone 1 to be finished by mid-May, allowing the project to start the second phase/Zone 2 "earlier than expected." The second phase runs along River Road between Blankenbaker Lane and Lime Kiln Lane.

Crews began construction back in March, but it has already been causing headaches for businesses.

Despite detour signs alerting drivers that businesses in the area remain open, owners said some of the signs are misleading and have caused them to lose business. 

The entire project is expected to take about two years to complete. To learn more about the project and check for updates on the work, click here.

Previous Coverage:

River Road construction work shifts this week as Louisville Water project continues

Business owners frustrated as Louisville Water project detour signs impact customers

Louisville restaurants call for help as River Road construction disrupts business

2-year construction project disrupts River Road businesses weeks after flooding

Louisville Water's construction project sparks concern among homeowners, businesses

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