03.05.2024

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🚦Going once, going twice

Bardstown Road traffic lights hit the auction block

Mayor Greenberg delivers a press conferance showing off two Bardstown road lights

The lights look a whole lot bigger when they’re not suspended 10 feet up in the air. | Photo by WHAS11

Start your engines, a former fixture of the Highlands neighborhood is up for auction, and bids close tonight.

The iconic, if confusing, reversible lane signals that once hung along Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue hit the block last week. The sale of these uncommon traffic lights is part of an initiative suggested by Maggie Harlow, rapper Jack Harlow’s mom and a long-time Highlands resident.

The lights hung for decades, switching traffic patterns along the thoroughfare during rush hour driving times. In fact, for a time Bardstown Road was the only street in the nation with both lane lights and on-street parking.

In 2018, a safety study recommended removing them in favor of adding dedicated parking + turning lanes, along with expanded sidewalks and more crosswalks. Most of the lights were removed in 2022 as part of a redesign project, but a handful still remain on the stretch of Bardstown Road between Woodford Place and Bonnycastle Avenue.

Bonus: Louisville is not the only city to remove reversible lanes in favor of more traditional traffic patterns. Washington D.C. removed reversible lanes in 2022, as did Charlotte, North Carolina.

An old hanging reversible traffic light from Bardstown road — The old lights switched between red X’s and green arrows depending on traffic flow needs.
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Photo by WHAS11

If you’re thinking about adding the Bardstown Road lights to your living room decor or annual Christmas light display, the traffic signals will cost you at least $300-$350. A total of 25 lights are listed on the municipal auction site GovDeals. The small lights have more bids, which makes sense given they’re only about 2-sqft. The larger lights are closer to 3 ft tall, making them almost the height of your kitchen counter.

Money from the auction will be split between the city’s Complete Streets coalition and major sidewalk repairs. If you want a piece of Louisville traffic history, you’ll need to act fast — the auctions are scheduled to close today throughout the afternoon and evening.

Asked

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Events

Tuesday, March 5

International Women’s Day | Tuesday, March 5 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Red Barn, 2011 S. Brook St., Louisville | $0-$5 | Celebrate the power and achievements of women worldwide with food + performances by student and community groups.
Industry Night with Teeling Irish Whiskey | Tuesday, March 5 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Switchboard, 900 Baxter Ave., Louisville | $10 | Learn about + sample Irish whiskey from this Dublin distillery.

Wednesday, March 6

Wednesday Wonders at The Parklands of Floyds Fork | Wednesday, March 6 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Ben Stout House, 8630 Turkey Run Pkwy., Louisville | $0-$5 | Learn about how trees drink water with science experiments, hikes, and art in this interactive program for elementary-aged kids.

Thursday, March 7

Current Speed Artist Talk: Angel Otero & Leslie Martinez | Thursday, March 7 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 3rd St., Louisville | Hear from two contemporary artists whose work was recently acquired by the Speed.
George Birge | Thursday, March 7 | 7 p.m. | PBR Louisville, 432 S. 4th St, Louisville | $15 | See this country music singer from Austin, Texas at 4th Street Live’s cowboy bar.

Friday, March 8

Conversations with a Suffragist | Friday, March 8 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd., Louisville | $25 | Take in this one-woman-show about writer and abolitionist Martha “Mattie” Griffith Browne.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Opening

Phalcha Coffee will be celebrating its grand opening this Saturday, March 9 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m at 1001 Mary St. The new shop in Germantown is serving up Instagram-worthy drinks, including a rose latte with a sprinkles, strawberry matcha, and a classic cortado.

Biz

Rainbow Blossom will open its sixth location in the old Paul’s Fruit Market at 4946 Brownsboro Rd. The new location has outdoor space that Rainbow Blossom hopes to use as a patio and for events. Renovations are set to begin this month. (Louisville Business First)

Pets

No-kill animal shelter Animal Care Society is almost quadrupling the size of its Westport Road campus after acquiring the former Rootie’s Bar and Grille location next door. The move expands the shelter’s capacity with 40 new kennels, an exam room, and laundry facilities. (Louisville Business First)

Arts

Dancer Natalia Ashikhmina has retired after 18 seasons as a principal dancer with Louisville Ballet and almost 30 years in the business. Ashikhmina began her career in the Russian National Ballet before moving to Indianapolis and eventually Louisville. Ashikhmina’s final role was as Juliet in “Romeo & Juliet.”

Sports

The weather is starting to warm up, and that means spring football practice is right around the corner. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Fun Fact

Smart printers can monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 credit for HP Instant Ink.*

The Buy

The Buy 3.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Prepared Hero’s Emergency Fire Blanket, a highly-rated staple to have on hand in your kitchen or yard. It’s easier to use than common fire extinguishers + leaves no mess behind, too.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Declan

From the editor

Hey there Louisville. You’ve already seen me here and there on the website and our socials, but I’m beyond excited to be delivering my first official newsletter as your new City Editor. If you ever want to drop me a line and tell me about a something we should cover, or just say hello, my inbox is always open.

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