LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Drivers in downtown Louisville are adjusting to a major traffic shift as a busy stretch of Main Street officially transitions from a one-way to a two-way street.
For months, orange traffic cones lined Main Street, signaling oncoming changes. This week, those cones were removed, revealing a brand new traffic pattern between Wenzel and 2nd streets.
The conversion is the first phase of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s $5.4 million "Main Remade" project, designed to make downtown Louisville safer and more accessible. In addition to two-way traffic, the project introduces parking-protected bike lanes, pedestrian crossing islands and dedicated left turn lanes at busy intersections.
For local workers and commuters, the changes are already making an impact.
Joel Wafford, who rides his bike to work at Quills Coffee on Main Street, said his daily commute is already starting to feel safer.
"It feels like I can kind of go my own pace because there are more options," Wafford said. "Just based off of how the other streets have gone from one-way to two-way, that traffic ends up being a lot slower."
Gary Nelson, who has worked at Bittners on Main Street for nearly six years, was initially surprised by the news but has quickly become a supporter of the project.
"Oh, I really like it," Nelson said, noting that he frequently saw drivers accidentally heading the wrong way when Main Street was a one-way going west.
Nelson believes the update will also provide a boost to local businesses by opening up parking on both sides of the street.
"Sometimes you would see the same people that would go around the block a couple, two, maybe three times looking for a place to park," he said.
Visitor Denise Barker agreed, adding, "It makes it easier to come down here and visit your favorite spots."
However, not everyone in the area is on board with the new configuration. Some regular commuters expressed concern over the sudden shift.
"Confusion, accidents waiting to happen," said Tammy Byrne when asked about her thoughts on the conversion.
Despite some skepticism, supporters like Wafford remain optimistic about the city's direction.
"More two-ways are generally good," he said.
This conversion marks only the beginning of the "Main Remade" initiative. Two additional phases are planned, which will eventually extend the two-way street conversion down to 22nd Street.
To learn more about the Main Remade project or to track its progress, click here.
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