Traffic Pattern Change on New Dixie Highway Project
Median work to begin from I-264 to Crums Lane
LOUISVILLE (July 18, 2019) – Crews on The New Dixie Highway Project have completed construction of drainage structures, curbs, gutters and wider sidewalks between Herbert Avenue and Crums Lane. The next phase of work for this area begins tomorrow with the installation of concrete medians.
Beginning Friday, July 19, the left lanes of Dixie Highway will be closed in each direction between Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) and Crums Lane. This change in traffic pattern will continue for approximately three weeks. Left turn access for motorists will be maintained at Garrs Lane.
Also, the exit ramp from I-264 West to Dixie Highway (Exit 8B) will be reduced to one lane during the median construction.
By installing medians, The New Dixie Highway Project will restrict mid-block left turns – and guide drivers to turn at signalized intersections or designated U-turn points. Installing medians is both the most transformative part of The New Dixie Highway project – but also the most dangerous for workers because they will be working in the middle of the roadway with traffic on both sides.
"Safety is our first priority, and in the long run, medians will prevent accidents," said John Callihan, project manager of The New Dixie Highway Project. "But in the short-term, this is a dangerous part of the construction process and we ask for extra vigilance from drivers during this phase of the project."
Median installation is happening at a couple of locations along the project corridor. The interior lanes immediately adjacent to the work are closed in each direction. As one section is complete, crews will move to a new section, meaning that drivers should stay alert as lane closures may change without notice.
Medians will be "non-mountable" so passenger vehicles cannot drive over them. Widths will vary with available space, with landscaping at key locations. While it may seem counter-intuitive to drivers, restricting mid-block left-turns creates not only a safer corridor, but a more efficient corridor. Some drivers will have to drive slightly further to reach their destination, but the improved efficiency and reduction in accident-related congestion will mean a better traffic flow for everyone.
The New Dixie Highway Project broke ground in December of 2017 and all the major components will be complete in December 2019. Some final parts of project – such as landscaping and final surfacing – require warm weather and will be completed in the summer of 2020.
About the New Dixie Highway Project
The New Dixie Highway Project is a $35 million investment to improve safety, mobility and livability along the corridor. The project will concentrate on three major areas of improvement:
- Roadway safety and design improvements, including raised medians and left-hand-only turn lanes along the most congested and dangerous section (Crums Lane to Greenwood Road).
- A new Intelligent Transportation System that will improve and coordinate traffic signal timing along the entire corridor.
- The region's first TARC bus rapid transit route, with eight priority buses and 37 highly visible bus stations and stops that will improve travel times for both transit riders and drivers.
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Follow progress on the New Dixie Highway at TheNewDixieHighway.com; on Facebook (search for The New Dixie Highway), and on Twitter @NewDixieHighway or Instagram: @newdixiehwy
