City

This $24.6 million project would transform Louisville’s 9th Street

You can help kick off the “Reimagine 9th Street” Project this week.

February 19, 2024 • 
Jeff Milby
Cars drive along a tree-lined multi-lane road in an urban setting. A large parking lot is at the left, while a new housing development is at the right.

The transformation of 9th Street coincides with other nearby developments, like the Mud Lot (left) revitalization + the Beecher Terrace Apartments (right) were built beginning in 2017.

Image via Louisville Metro Government

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
A rendering shows a street divided into lanes for cars, buses, bicyclists, pedestrians and other amenenities.

The project would expand sidewalks and build protected bike lanes.

Image via Louisville Metro Government

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.