LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In hopes of making the area safer, Louisville Metro Public Works and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are asking for the public's input on a ramp and surrounding intersections in downtown Louisville.
"The intersection of Jefferson Street with Brook Street is one of the highest crash locations that we have within metro government," said Dirk Gowin, transportation division manager for public works.
Gowin said there were 157 crashes at that intersection between 2017-19, an average of about one crash every week, and he'd like to see the area become safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
"I drive every morning down this intersection and it's hectic, especially at rush hour," said Tom Round, who works in downtown Louisville. "I've never seen an accident happen in person, but I can see how it could be dangerous for some people."
New designs are being discussed for the Jefferson Street/Brook Street off-ramp for Interstate 65 Southbound and its corresponding intersections.
According to Gowin, the first idea is to create a five-point intersection at Jefferson and Brook streets.
"Into the intersection, we have what I say is a five-point intersection with five lanes coming down right here where we're standing," Gowin said. "That's the least favorite of mine, because we're almost rebuilding it back to the problems we had before."
The second option creates a traditional four-point intersection.
"We will bring the ramp down to join in with Liberty Street and we will make Liberty two-way west of here for several blocks to Third Street," Gowin said. "That, to me, is preferred for safety."
The third option is to just leave the area as is and make no changes.
There is a virtual meeting planned for Oct. 28 where the public can share opinions.
"Let us know what your experiences are at this location and some of your thoughts about how you'd like to see things change," Gowin said.
For a link to that meeting or to leave a comment for the city online, click here.
Gowin said he expects a decision will be made within the next few months. He's hopeful federal funds will help with the project.
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