On Thursday, Feb. 22, Metro Government officials will kick off the Reimagine 9th Street Project. It’s a civic development, nearly eight years in the making, that will transform one of Louisville’s major thoroughfares, changing it from a wide, multi-lane road to a “complete street” with room for multiple modes of transportation.
Here’s a summary of the plan:
- Reduce the number of car lanes on 9th Street from six to four
- Shorten distances at pedestrian crosses + raise intersections
- Add in protected bike lanes, pedestrian walking paths, and bus-only lanes
- Increase Louisville’s tree canopy by building a “linear park” down 9th Street
- Convert Muhammad Ali Boulevard + Chestnut Street from one-way traffic to two-way — there’s been a lot of that happening lately
Bonus: Recently, three neighboring downtown developments were announced, including the 2.97-acre Mud Lot on 9th Street.
In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Louisville a $15.58 million grant, paving the way for the $24.6 million project. The remaining funds come from Metro and state budgets. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
So what’s happening Thursday? HDR Engineering + the Louisville Metro Department of Planning will host the first public event, which will include:
- Updates on key elements of the project
- A recap of what’s taken place so far
- An explanation of how the community can get involved going forward
The meeting will take place at the Louisville Central Community Centers (1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and refreshments + hors d’oeuvres will be served.
