Transportation Grants Launch 2-Way Street Conversions of 2nd & 3rd Streets
In mid-December 2023, local leaders announced the award of a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Transportation Safe Streets For All (SS4A) for 2-way street conversions of two vital routes to UofL's Belknap campus, 2nd and 3rd Streets from Cardinal Boulevard to Broadway.
3rd Street will become the primary route for traffic, and will see enhancements like: 
- curb extensions near intersections,
- retroreflective backplates on traffic lights,
- sidewalk ramps, and
- ladder-style striping at crosswalks.
Meanwhile, 2nd Street will see its intersections converted to four-way stops, including three that will swap traffic lights for stop signs. The project aims to lower driving speeds and improve overall safety in the area, particularly for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The overall funding will be $12.5 million, which includes a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet grant of $2.5 million and Louisville Metro Government funds of $2.5 million. This initiative has been discussed for years. Engineering studies have been completed.
Mayor Craig Greenberg noted," This project will transform 2nd and 3rd Streets, converting one-ways to two-way streets, adding bike and turn lanes, making significant safety improvements at intersections from UofL to Broadway." He thanked Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Morgan McGarvey for their help in securing this federal funding. The SS4A funding was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.
Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray, said "We proudly support the project's goal to enhance safety for all road users while advancing equity, sustainability and job creation in our state's most populated city." Public Works Director, Jennifer Caummisar-Kern, said " This project is critical to the success of our Vision Zero Louisville safety initiative." It will help reduce fatal and serious injury crashes and improve safety for all modes of transportation.
Design work will begin in the summer of 2024 with construction work scheduled for early 2027.
For additional information, see:
https://loutoday.6amcity.com/city/2nd-street-3rd-street-two-way-traffic-louisville-ky
https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-funding-second-third-streets-two-way-downtown/46110313
