Louisville is set to receive $14.5 million to enhance access between the Portland neighborhood and the Ohio River, improving community connectivity.
Louisville: Kentucky is getting over $14.5 million in federal funds to help connect the Portland neighborhood back to the riverfront. This is a big deal for the community.
The U.S. Department of Transportation just announced a huge grant of more than $544 million for 81 projects across the country, and two of those are in Kentucky. The funds aim to reconnect important areas in both Frankfort and Louisville.
So, here’s the scoop: I-64 really cut off Louisville from the Ohio River, and a new study is looking to change that. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to use this funding to make it easier for folks to get to the river.
Right now, there are a bunch of issues like railroads, flood walls, and missing sidewalks that make it tough to access the river. This funding will help tackle those problems.
About $14.8 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program will cover half of a nearly $30 million project. They’ll be making improvements at the I-64 interchange at 22nd Street, including better intersections and ramps.
They’re also planning to design a complete street along 22nd Street from Northwestern Parkway to Bank Street, plus rebuild two pedestrian bridges over I-64. It’s all about making it easier for people to get around.
These plans come as Waterfront Park is expanding. There’s a 22-acre, $50 million expansion happening that will stretch the park westward. A new play area, the 3.5-acre Waterfront Park PlayPort, is being built in partnership with the Kentucky Science Center and is expected to open in Spring 2025.
Reporters Matthew Glowicki and Eleanor McCrary contributed to this story. If you have breaking news, you can reach out to reporter Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville receives millions in federal aid for Portland project.
