A once dangerous and confusing stretch of roadway in Louisville recently underwent a transformation aimed at improving safety and livability for pedestrians, drivers, and local businesses.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in partnership with Louisville Metro and QK4 invested $1.5 million to redesign a section of Baxter Avenue/Bardstown Road spanning 1.3 miles from East Broadway to Eastern Parkway.
Improved Safety
Key safety improvements for this stretch of roadway include:
- Enhanced crosswalks with pedestrian bump-outs
- Protected left-turn lanes for smoother and safer traffic flow
- Traffic calming measures to reduce speeds
- Green infrastructure to improve aesthetics and sustainability
Since its completion in July 2023, the redesign has led to a 50% reduction in crashes and enhanced pedestrian safety.
QK4, a Louisville-based transportation engineering firm, played a key role in planning the improvements that transformed this vital corridor into a safer, more welcoming space for all users.
“This corridor was once among the most dangerous in Louisville, averaging one crash per day and seven pedestrian-related crashes annually,” said Andy Rush, Transportation Director at Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA). “Today, thanks to this redesign, it’s a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.”
The project’s success has earned the Baxter Avenue/Bardstown Road Redesign team the 2024 Kentucky-Indiana Transportation Excellence (K.I.T.E.) Award from the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA).
Local business owners are feeling the positive effects.
Elizabeth Kizito, owner of Kizito Cookies, shared, “I love it, love it, love it. My customers now stop right there to pick up cookies without having to drive around the block to find a spot. It has helped my business. And the drivers seem to go slower and are more friendly now.”
“This award is a testament to the collective vision and dedication of the project team to meet the goals of safety and mobility,” said Rush.
Future Improvements
Building on the success of this project, discussions are underway for future improvements to continue addressing safety and accessibility along other sections of Bardstown Road.
These potential enhancements aim to build on the momentum of the redesign, further improving the corridor for pedestrians, drivers, and local businesses while aligning with the city’s long-term Vision Zero goals.
KYTC worked closely with the Friends of Bardstown Road, a community group that raised over $100,000 for landscaping and green infrastructure along the corridor, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
The redesign also aligns with Louisville’s Vision Zero initiative and KIPDA’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, advancing the city’s goals for safer, more connected communities.
For more information about QK4, visit www.qk4.com.
For more information about KYTC, visit transportation.ky.gov.
