Main Street conversion project worsens traffic getting into downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Work to convert a downtown Louisville street from a one-way to a two-way is causing traffic headaches in one of the area's busiest intersections.

The $5.4 million “Main Remade” project has closed an entire right turn lane coming off the Second Street Bridge, leading to big backups during rush hour in an already congested area.

The project will convert a long stretch of Main Street from a one-way to a two-way corridor. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet having just one right turn lane off the bridge is part of improving the area for pedestrians.

When the project first started in June, KYTC said it would include upgrades to crosswalks and intersections, a protected bike lane, dedicated left turn lanes and new traffic signals.

In addition to the closed turning lane, much of the street parking along Whiskey Row is blocked off during construction.

Those who work at the corner of Main and Floyd streets have mixed feelings about the project.

"I feel like you'll be able to get around a lot better because you won't have to go up streets to go down streets and yeah, I think it will be alright," Luke McCubbins, who travels Main Street for work, said.

Others think the work will have a negative impact on the area.

"It's just gonna hurt business. It's gonna hurt traffic, parking, the way our customers come in and out of the lots and can get serviced at a reasonable pace," Robert Anderson, who works on Main Street, said.

KYTC said drivers and pedestrians should adhere to the new traffic pattern and use caution when traveling through the area with changes in traffic patterns, lane shifts and lane closures possible.

Construction is being split up into three phases. The first, from Wenzel to Second Street, is expected to be done by spring 2026. When the entire project is completed, portions of westbound Main Street will carry traffic both east and west from NuLu to 22nd Street.

The "Main Remade" project is intended to improve accessibility in downtown Louisville. Over the past six years, there were 464 crashes along the project corridor.

For more information on the project, click here.

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