LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The push to make the Portland neighborhood in Louisville safer for walkers and bikers continues.
People who work in Portland said it is a special place but getting from place to place by foot isn't easy.
"Portland has a really high percentage of bike riders and also walking pedestrians but we could certainly use some more shade on our streets," said Ellie Davenport, who works at Louisville Grows on Portland Avenue.
She is also a member of the Portland Now Initiative and in recent meetings they've talked about increasing walkability.
"Portland does have an issue with cars flying down roads so talking about installing raised crosswalks or little traffic improving measures," she said.
There's also a connectivity issue between Portland and the riverfront. Part of the issue is Interstate 64 separates the two. This is why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet created the "Reconnecting Central Portland to the Riverfront" project.
"Making it easier for residents of the Portland neighborhood to walk over there would be nice," Davenport said.
Right now, there are two pedestrian bridges over I-64, and part of this project could include rebuilding those.
It also includes cleaning up around the interstate. Several options are on the table including concrete fencing, metal mesh fencing and adding landscaping and trees.
More improvements listed on KYTC include improving access to Lannan Park and McAlpine Locks.
Davenport said the future seems bright.
"I'm really hopeful to see improved walkability in the neighborhood and as I said improved traffic measures," she said.
According to the website, the final design phase is expected to be completed by 2027 with construction starting in 2028.
For more information on the project, click here.Â
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