Public meeting set for Dec. 17 at Southwest Government Center
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2013) — Design work has begun on the first phase of the long awaited Dixie Highway Improvement Project, but public input is needed before there can be a final design, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today. A $600,000 design contract was awarded in September to The Corradino Group. Phase 1 of the Dixie Highway Improvement Project will focus on the area between Crums Lane on the north and Rockford Lane on the south.
Construction is projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014 pending regulatory approvals. It is being funded through $5.5 million appropriated in the State Road Fund by the Kentucky General Assembly. Fischer said, “We’re grateful to our Jefferson County delegation for the leadership they provided in securing funding for this project.”
The project will deliver safety improvements for motorists and pedestrians by adding new sidewalks and lighting, widening some existing sidewalks and redesigning medians. Two focal points will be the Crums Lane/Seventh Street Road/Dixie Highway intersection and the Interstate 264 interchange.
The interchange will be transformed into a visual gateway and both areas will be made more pedestrian friendly. Pedestrian paths will be added in the interchange area where none currently exist. There will also be improvements to lighting, signage and landscaping throughout the project area.
The project is part of a master plan completed last year that will be done in five phases and cover Dixie Highway from Oak Street all the way south to Interstate 265. Fischer said the road project is part of a broader effort to improve the corridor.
“Our message is clear – Dixie Highway is open for business,” Fischer said. “That’s why you’ve seen us focus on initiatives such as Digital Dixie, the program to ensure that businesses along Dixie are online, to our work with the Louisville Independent Business Association and Louisville Originals to encourage local retail shops and restaurants to consider expanding into Shively, PRP and Valley Station.”
A public meeting on this first phase of the Improvement Project will be held Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy. Citizens are asked for their own ideas for improving the Dixie Highway corridor as well as their feedback on preliminary ideas from The Corradino Group.
Metro Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 12, said, “I am excited that the pilot phase design is now underway. We need the public’s help in finalizing these plans. A Dixie Do-over can be the game changer for economic development along the corridor.”
Councilwoman Mary Woolridge, District 3, said, “I am excited this project will begin looking at one of the busiest areas of Dixie Highway and how we can enhance traffic flow and create a new look for businesses from this point heading south. Public input is crucial to any success in this project.”
And Councilman David Yates, District 25, said, “This project now includes Greenwood Road to the Gene Snyder and will recommend a concept of town centers which will enhance economic development that we are now seeing on Dixie Highway and the public needs to be in tune with those ideas.”
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