UofL Traffic and Pedestrian Improvement Project

The  University of Louisville , in coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and Louisville Metro, and with financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is designing a project that would improve vehicular safety and traffic operations and improve pedestrian safety and connectivity on the northwest side of Belknap Campus, primarily along 2nd and 3rd Streets from Eastern Parkway to W. Cardinal Boulevard. The general project location is outlined in black.

The eight marked east-west intersection crossings within the project area are frequently used by a high volume of students, faculty, and other pedestrians and cyclists. During the five-year (2017-2021) historical crash review, three vehicle-pedestrian crashes occurred and one vehicle-bicyclist crash occurred along 3rd Street.

Over the last couple of years, the design team has completed traffic impact studies and safety analyses. Several options were explored with key stakeholders to improve this area for university students, visitors, and the traveling public. Pedestrian safety and demand were weighed against acceptable levels of vehicle delay to develop the following recommendations that would meet the project purpose and need. Several alternatives were analyzed but not recommended due to capacity or operational inefficiencies, right-of-way impacts, and/or costs.

A public information meeting was held May 9th, 2024 at the Student Activities Center to review project recommendations and receive feedback. Comments were collected both in person and online through May 23rd. A total of 78 comments were received. Click the button below to review a summary of this engagement effort, including meeting materials, feedback received, project team considerations, and recommended changes.

The project is currently in the design phase. Environmental analyses are being completed in support of a Categorical Exclusion National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document, which will make the project eligible for future federal funding.

Funding has been dedicated for future phases, but none has been authorized yet. A construction schedule has not yet been determined. However, construction will strive to predominately occur during the summer months to reduce impacts to university students. This segment of 3rd Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during construction to reduce the duration of the traffic impacts.

Prepared by  Qk4, Inc.