KY 1819 Watterson Trail Reconstruction from Plantside Drive to Bluegrass Parkway – Project 05-373 / 05-80258

Purpose	The primary purpose of this project is to improve the existing roadway geometrics. The project will modify intersection radii to better accommodate heavy truck traffic and enhance sight distances at access points serving existing industrial and commercial developments south of the I-64 bridge, as well as residential areas north of I-64. A secondary purpose is to develop a roadway system that supports future social and economic growth north of the I-64 bridge while meeting the transportation needs of existing industrial and commercial developments to the south.
Project Scope	Widen KY 1819 to a three-lane roadway—consisting of northbound and southbound through lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane—to improve mobility and increase capacity. Realign sections of KY 1819 in key areas to enhance roadway geometry and overall safety.
Selected Alternative (2026)	The selected alternative reconstructs Watterson Trail by alternating construction between the east and west sides of the existing alignment from Plantside Drive to Bluegrass Parkway. From Moser Road to Blankenbaker Road, Watterson Trail will be reconstructed on the west side of the existing alignment, while the section between Bluegrass Parkway and Moser Road will follow the current alignment. The design features an urban typical section with curb and gutter and a concrete sidewalk. A roundabout is to be constructed at the intersection of Watterson Trail at Moser Road to enhance safety and mobility. A right turn lane is to be constructed at the intersection of Watterson Trail at Blankenbaker Parkway to serve traffic turning from Eastbound Watterson Trail onto Southbound Blankenbaker Parkway. This alternative addresses substandard sections of existing KY 1819 (Watterson Trail) and provides an opportunity to improve the intersection at Moser Road. Previously Selected Alternative (2008) The selected alternative reconstructs Watterson Trail by alternating construction between the east and west sides of the existing alignment from Plantside Drive to Bluegrass Parkway. From Moser Road to Blankenbaker Road, Watterson Trail will be reconstructed on the west side of the existing alignment, while the section between Bluegrass Parkway and Moser Road will follow the current alignment. The design features an urban typical section with curb and gutter and a concrete sidewalk. This alternative addresses substandard sections of existing KY 1819 (Watterson Trail) and provides an opportunity to improve the intersection at Moser Road.
Project Timeline	*As of Summer 2026 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):** In February 2026 the Project Team (with input from the public) selected an alternative that includes the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Watterson Trail and Moser Road. The selected alternative also includes the construction of a right turn lane at the intersection of Watterson Trail at Blankenbaker Parkway. No other changes were made to the preferred alternative that was previously selected in 2008. The FY2026-2032 Highway Plan was enacted. Only the portion of the Watterson Trail from Bluegrass Parkway to Blankenbaker Parkway is included to be advanced to construction (this section is identified as Item No. 05-80258). The project is being split into 2 sections to comply with the current highway plan. The north section from Bluegrass Parkway to Blankenbaker Parkway is to be advanced to construction. A Shared Use Path is to be included in both sections of the project. The Shared Use Path will be on the West/North side of Watterson Trail. The project is currently in the design phase, which will continue through 2027. *The anticipated work is subject to change due to changes in funding availability in the current and future Enacted Highway Plans.
Public Input	A public meeting was held at the Middletown City Hall, 11803 Old Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243, on Jan. 15, 2026. Public comments were accepted through January 29, 2026 StoryMap Survey
Links	Roundabout Exhibit Section 1 Exhibit Section 2 Exhibit Section 3 Exhibit Section 4 Exhibit Jan. 15, 2026 Public Meeting Handout
Project Manager	Carl Jenkins III, P.E. Email: carl.jenkins@ky.gov Phone: 502.764.0493

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Page Last Updated: 07-24-2026

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