New 35 mph speed limit now in effect on busy US 42 in east Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Transportation officials hope the reduced speed limit on a familiar stretch of U.S. 42 in east Louisville will improve safety.

The speed reduction from 45 mph to 35 mph took effect July 1. Drivers will notice new 35 mph signs as they approach Del Haven Avenue, and that limit continues to River Road.

Assistant Chief of Prospect Police Michael McKeehan said after numerous complaints and a series of public meetings the state decided to lower the limit for that particular stretch of highway which has long been a fast track through Prospect. Now drivers are learning it's time to slow down.

"I got a post about it on Next Door," Brittany Reinhart said.

Another driver we spoke with was not yet aware of the updated speed limit.

"I just found out about it today, from you," said Alan Kingsbury.

The new signs -- and speed trackers -- were installed last week.

Drivers we spoke with seemed to welcome the change.

"Forty-five (mph) means 55 for most people," Kingsbury said.

Prospect police said heavy congestion is also to blame for the many crashes on U.S. 42 as development continues in the area.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports 29,593 drivers traveled on that stretch of highway in 2024 -- and officials said that's more than the road can handle.

Data from the Prospect Police Department spanning from 2021- 2024 shows an average of about 90 crashes each year. Last year, the average driver speed was 50 miles an hour, with the highest speed recorded at 94 mph.

"I have been seeing some police officers so people should watch their speed," Reinhart said.

McKeehan wants the public to know that the city of Prospect doesn't make any money from enforcing traffic laws.

"The City of Prospect receives nothing from a traffic citation," he said in a written statement. "The Commonwealth of KY and Jefferson County receive all funds generated from traffic citations written by us. We get nothing from citations."

McKeehan said drivers will be given a grace period to get accustomed to the new speed limit.

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