Wilder Park Neighborhood Association

Eastern Parkway to be Reduced to Two Lanes?

Oct 13, 2006

U of L is proposing a change to Eastern Parkway, reducing it to one lane in each direction between 3rd Street and I-65. On September 19th U of L representatives met with neighborhood and political leaders to present plans and listen to concerns. U of L cites safety concerns as the reason for the lane reductions. Several deaths and numerous auto accidents have occurred on this stretch over the last 20 years.
U of L financed a study and this plan is based upon the results of the study. Various alternatives to reducing the lanes were suggest by area leaders, most of which were already considered by the school. Suggestions of a pedestrian overpass or reinforced usage of the current crosswalk and tunnel were not viable solutions according to the study, because students tend to ignore these options and j-walk across Eastern Parkway anyways.
The new proposal reduces the lanes, creates a crosswalk with pedestrian activated signal, and a median designed to enforce use of the crosswalk. Beautification is also a major consideration.
When the question was raised if travel times were a factor in the study, it was indicated that extended travel times were not considered. This is a major concern of area residents who use this route.
Eastern Parkway is ALTERNATE ROUTE 60. When a train is stalled across Crittenden Drive, or there are events at Papa John's Stadium, this major artery needs to accommodate traffic as well as be a safe passageway for students and faculty. There may be a better solution.
If you have concerns on this issue, please contact U of L, or bring your concerns to the next Open Meeting on October 24th.