Louisville, January 6, 2026
A traffic study on Bardstown Road has raised significant safety concerns, prompting Louisville officials to consider improvements aimed at reducing accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety. Key findings include high crash rates and pedestrian safety issues. Proposed improvements involve upgrades to crosswalks, the introduction of traffic calming measures, and modernization of outdated infrastructure. Community engagement through surveys has been initiated to gather resident feedback on these proposed changes.
Louisville Councilman Advocates for Bardstown Road Traffic Study to Enhance Safety
Louisville, Kentucky – A recent traffic study on Bardstown Road has highlighted significant safety concerns, prompting local officials to consider improvements aimed at reducing accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety.
Key Findings of the Bardstown Road Safety Study
The Bardstown Road Corridor Safety Study, published in December 2018, identified several critical issues along the corridor:
- High Crash Rates: The study revealed that Bardstown Road has a significantly higher crash rate compared to other roads in Louisville and Kentucky with similar traffic volumes. The vehicle critical crash rate factor (CCRF) along much of the corridor is greater than 3.0, indicating a higher-than-expected number of crashes. A CCRF of 1.0 or above suggests that a roadway section has more crashes than statistically probable without unsafe conditions.
- Pedestrian Safety Concerns: On average, nine pedestrian strikes occur per year along the corridor, one of the highest concentrations in Louisville. The existing crosswalks are substandard and require enhancement to improve safety for pedestrians.
- Outdated Infrastructure: The study highlighted issues such as substandard and inconsistently located street lighting. Lane lights, which operate during peak commuter traffic hours, were installed in the 1970s and last upgraded in 2008, indicating a need for modernization.
Proposed Improvements and Community Engagement
In response to the study’s findings, Councilman Brandon Coan has emphasized the goal of eliminating fatalities and severe injuries on Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue. Proposed improvements include:
- Enhanced Crosswalks: Upgrading crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
- Traffic Calming Measures: Implementing strategies to reduce speeding and driver confusion.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing street lighting and traffic signals to meet current standards.
Community engagement is a crucial component of this initiative. A pedestrian issues survey was launched to gather feedback from residents on areas needing improvement. The survey received responses from hundreds of residents, and the results have been analyzed to inform future actions. The community’s continued feedback and advocacy are essential for the success of these improvements.
Background Context
Bardstown Road is a primary commercial street in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, known for its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The corridor serves as a key connection between downtown Louisville and the Watterson Expressway, carrying over 20,000 vehicles per day in the Highlands area. Despite its popularity, the area has faced challenges related to traffic safety and infrastructure, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance its safety and livability.
In 2018, former District 8 Metro Councilman Brandon Coan commissioned the Bardstown Road Safety Study to address these concerns. The study’s recommendations have laid the groundwork for the current initiatives aimed at improving safety and infrastructure along the corridor.
For more information on the Bardstown Road Corridor Safety Study and the proposed improvements, residents are encouraged to visit the official Louisville Metro website or contact their local council representative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Bardstown Road Safety Study?
The Bardstown Road Safety Study, published in December 2018, is an assessment that identified significant safety concerns along Bardstown Road, including high crash rates and pedestrian safety issues. The study aims to inform improvements to enhance safety and infrastructure along the corridor.
What improvements are being proposed for Bardstown Road?
Proposed improvements include enhanced crosswalks, traffic calming measures to reduce speeding, and modernization of street lighting and traffic signals to current standards.
How can residents provide feedback on the proposed improvements?
Residents can participate in community engagement efforts by completing surveys and providing feedback through official channels, such as the Louisville Metro website or by contacting their local council representative.
Why is Bardstown Road considered a critical area for safety improvements?
Bardstown Road is a primary commercial street in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, serving as a key connection between downtown Louisville and the Watterson Expressway. Despite its popularity, the area has faced challenges related to traffic safety and infrastructure, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance its safety and livability.
Who is leading the efforts to improve Bardstown Road’s safety?
The efforts are being led by Councilman Brandon Coan, who commissioned the Bardstown Road Safety Study in 2018 and is advocating for the proposed improvements based on the study’s findings.
Key Features of the Bardstown Road Safety Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High Crash Rates | The study revealed that Bardstown Road has a significantly higher crash rate compared to other roads in Louisville and Kentucky with similar traffic volumes. The vehicle critical crash rate factor (CCRF) along much of the corridor is greater than 3.0, indicating a higher-than-expected number of crashes. A CCRF of 1.0 or above suggests that a roadway section has more crashes than statistically probable without unsafe conditions. |
| Pedestrian Safety Concerns | On average, nine pedestrian strikes occur per year along the corridor, one of the highest concentrations in Louisville. The existing crosswalks are substandard and require enhancement to improve safety for pedestrians. |
| Outdated Infrastructure | The study highlighted issues such as substandard and inconsistently located street lighting. Lane lights, which operate during peak commuter traffic hours, were installed in the 1970s and last upgraded in 2008, indicating a need for modernization. |
| Proposed Improvements | Proposed improvements include enhanced crosswalks, traffic calming measures to reduce speeding, and modernization of street lighting and traffic signals to current standards. |
| Community Engagement | A pedestrian issues survey was launched to gather feedback from residents on areas needing improvement. The survey received responses from hundreds of residents, and the results have been analyzed to inform future actions. The community’s continued feedback and advocacy are essential for the success of these improvements. |
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