KIPDA Transportation - Planning for the Future

TARC Route Changes Begin Sunday

2012-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Transit Authority of River City is making schedule adjustments to three routes inorder to improve service and adding two trips to another route to address overcrowding. The changes take effect this Sunday (January 29).

The changes are:

Route #18-Preston-18th Street: One trip westbound will be added leaving Fern Valley and Ulrich roads at 2:07 p.m. and heading to Dixie Highway and Heaton Roadonly. A return trip from Heaton Road to Preston Street at Broadway, leaving at 3:31 p.m., will also be added. Both trips are designed toaddress overcrowding on Route #18, which travels Dixie and Preston highways and connects downtown on Market Street (eastbound) and Jefferson Street (westbound). Buses arrive at least every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays on the main sections of this heavily used route.
Route #22-22nd Street: Scheduled bus arrival times at stops will change slightly to better reflect operating conditions as a result of the Sherman-Minton Bridge closing. Adjustments will be, on average, no more than a few minutes compared to the current schedule.
Route #43-Poplar Level Road: Bus arrival times at stops will change slightly on schedules to more accurately reflect operating conditions. Bus arrival times will not vary from the current schedule, in most cases, more than a few minutes.
Route #54x-Manslick Express: times will be adjusted to try and improve on-time performance. Most trips are changed by less than five minutes.

Riders are encouraged to visit http://www.ridetarc.org/ for more information.

Online resouces:
TARC website - http://www.ridetarc.org/

TARC on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/ridetarc

TARC on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ridetarc

Public Information Meeting Tomorrow regarding I-264/US 42 Interchange

2011-12-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is offering residents the opportunity to get an update on the project regarding improvements to the I-264/US 42 (Brownsboro Road) Interchange during a public information meeting from 5-7 p.m. tomorrow, December 15 in the Ballard High School cafeteria, 6000 Brownsboro Road in Louisville.

The open house format will provide information about the improvements to the interchange at Interstate 264 and US 42 (Brownsboro Road) in Jefferson County. Handouts containing information about the project and displays will be available at the meeting. Representatives from the the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be available to answer questions. Written and oral comments will be also accepted during the meeting.

Written comments will be accepted, and information made available, up to 15 days after the meeting at the District Five Office, 8310 Westport Road in Louisville. Written and oral comments from this meeting will become a part of the official record for the project.

For more information, call Andrea Clifford at 502-210-5403.

Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Healthy Hometown Website Launched

2011-12-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

The new Healthy Hometown website has been released. "Good for Your Body, Great for Everybody" is the new campaign slogan designed to get residents involved in activities.

Visit http://www.comeoneverybody.org/ to find maps and pictures of the Louisville Loop as as well as information on farmer's markets and how to get involved in community groups and area committees that are working to improve the community's food and fitness.

The website is part of the Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness' social marketing campaign that is also running a series of ads promoting TARC to the parks. The ads can be seen on buses, bus shelters, billboards and television.

13th annual Kids Design-a-Bus contest underway, entries sought

2011-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

The 13th Annual Kids Design-a-Bus contest, sponsored by the Transit Authority of River City and Louisville Metro Government, is seeking entries. This year's theme is "Helping Others - Creating a Compassionate City" and seeks to build on Mayor Greg Fischer’s goal of making Louisville an even more compassionate city. Louisville was recently designated an International Compassionate City – the largest city in America with that distinction.

"TARC is committed to helping Louisville achieve its goal of becoming a compassionate city by giving residents dependable, affordable public transportation,” Executive Director J. Barry Barker said.

The Design-a-Bus contest is open to all elementary and middle school students in Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt counties in Kentucky and Floyd and Clark counties in southern Indiana. Twelve winners will be chosen to have their posters displayed on the Kids Salute TARC bus and will be invited to a special party hosted by TARC in the spring where they also will receive prizes donated by local businesses. Artwork becomes the property of TARC.

Students are encouraged to create posters depicting what they believe makes Greater Louisville a compassionate and caring place to live. Some potential ideas might include picking up litter, helping a friend or younger sibling with homework, or making a friendly visit to an elderly neighbor. Another theme could be Louisville’s “Give A Day” week of volunteer service scheduled for April 15-22, 2012.

In the past, the Design-a-Bus competition has focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety, "Going Green," the history of public transportation in Louisville and other themes. This year's theme focuses on the spirit of volunteerism, being a good neighbor and a respectable member of the community.

"Children can have a better idea of what being compassionate and helpful means than adults do," Fischer said. "It's going to be really fun to see their thoughts and ideas expressed through this competition and on one of TARC's buses."

The entries should be done in marker, crayon or paint and submitted on 11-by-17 white paper, or digitally through a JPEG or PDF file. Entries will be judged on visual appeal, creativity, originality and message. This year's entry deadline is Friday, February 17, 2012.

Entry forms must be attached to hard or digital copies. For copies of entry forms, go to http://www.ridetarc.org/EditorUpload/call%20for%20entries.pdf or e-mail Jon Reiter at jreiter@ridetarc.org, or Jessica Holman at jholman@ridetarc.org.

Digital copies of entries with forms attached can also be sent to Jon and Jessica. Paper entries should be sent to TARC, c/o Marketing Department., 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, Ky. 40203

Some websites to visit for ideas:

Brightside
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/brightside

Mayor Fischer's "Give A Day" Initiative
http://www.mygiveaday.com/

Metro United Way
http://www.metrounitedway.org/

Habitat For Humanity - Louisville
http://www.hfhlouisville.org/

I-64/Hurstbourne Parkway Interchange Improvements Moving Forward

2011-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is moving forward with a project to improve traffic operations at the heavily traveled interchange of Interstate 64 and KY 1747 (Hurstbourne Parkway) in Louisville. KYTC staff will begin purchasing right of way in December in preparation for construction by summer.

Turning lanes will be added at various ramps in the interchange to help reduce congestion and delay as well as improve vehicular safety.

“The I-64/Hurstbourne Parkway interchange is one of the busiest interchanges in Louisville with approximately 60,000 vehicles each day,” said Matt Bullock, Chief District Engineer for the Department of Highways Louisville District. “This project, as designed by our engineers, will improve the flow of traffic at the interchange without negatively impacting local streets.”

Plans for a complete interchange reconstruction were presented to the public in 2002. Due to high costs of right of way and construction, the project team has developed a lower-cost, effective solution. Their revised plan of improvements includes:

• An additional lane on southbound Hurstbourne Parkway between Linn Station Road and Bluegrass Industrial Parkway
• An additional lane on northbound Hurstbourne Parkway at Linn Station Road, resulting in three travel lanes
• An additional left turn lane from southbound Hurstbourne Parkway to the entrance ramp for eastbound I-64, resulting in a dual left turn
• An additional left turn lane on the exit ramp from westbound I-64 to southbound Hurstbourne Parkway, resulting in a dual left turn
• An additional lane from southbound Hurstbourne Parkway to the entrance ramp for westbound I-64, resulting in a dual right turn
• Restriping westbound Linn Station Road to provide a triple left turn onto southbound Hurstbourne Parkway
• Addition of sidewalks along southbound Hurstbourne Parkway between Linn Station Road and Bluegrass Industrial Parkway

Federal interstate maintenance funds are being used for the project, with construction estimated at $2.5 million. Work is expected to be complete by the end of 2013.

Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/District-5-Traffic-Advisories.aspx and www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Bridges Project Review Recommends Cost-Savings Proposal for Two New Bridges, Public Hearings Set for Dec. 19 and 20

2011-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

An updated environmental review recommends a cost-saving approach for building two new bridges and rebuilding the downtown Louisville interchange – setting the stage for construction to begin next year.

The cost-saving approach recommended for study in January by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer would reduce the project cost by an estimated $1.2 billion. The approach, evaluated over the past 9 months, is the preferred alternative in the federally approved Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS).

The cost-savings approach would:

• Rebuild the Kennedy Interchange in the existing location rather than move it south

• Reduce the East End bridge, roadway and tunnel from six lanes to four lanes, with the option to add two lanes later if traffic demand warrants

• Remove the proposed pedestrian and bike path from the design of a new downtown I-65 bridge as a result of a separate project on the Big Four Bridge

• Eliminate flyover ramps and make other design changes on the Indiana interstate approach to the newly expanded I-65 bridges

The environmental review was required because of proposed changes in the project that weren’t considered in the plan selected in the 2003 Record of Decision. These changes include the addition of tolling as deemed necessary during the 2010 Metropolitan Transportation Planning update process to help pay for the Bridges Project, allowing the region to stay on track with delivery of other critical transportation needs in the region and the design changes listed above.

Two public hearings will be held in December to seek citizens’ comments on the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) as part of a public comment period that will run through Jan. 9.

The public hearings are scheduled as follows:

• Kentucky Meeting –Monday, Dec. 19, 4 to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Brown and Williamson Club, 2800 S. Floyd St., Gate 6, Louisville, Ky.

• Indiana Meeting –Tuesday, Dec. 20, 4 to 8 p.m., Eastern time, Holiday Inn Lakeview, 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.

The hearings will feature exhibits and project staff will be available to discuss the project in an informal setting from 4 to 8 p.m. People can also sign up to speak during a formal session from 6 to 8 p.m. Speakers will be randomly selected with time allotted for each speaker determined by the number of people who sign up. A court reporter will also be available to take comments.

The meetings are part of the extensive public involvement process that has been a hallmark of the Bridges Project, which is overseen by the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration. The SDEIS will be posted on the project’s website, www.kyinbridges.com, and copies will be available at area public library branches.

All comments received through Jan. 9 must be addressed in a Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS). People can make comments on the project’s website or mail comments to:

John Sacksteder, Bridges Project Manager
Community Transportation Solutions
305 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40222

Tolling studied

The SDEIS considered the traffic changes of collecting tolls on the new and improved I-65 bridges downtown and the new East End Bridge to help pay for the project. The actual toll rates that may be charged won’t be set for several more years and tolls will not be collected until new crossings are opened.

The study looked at a range of toll rates and found that traffic changes primarily occur during off-peak times of the day and would not undermine the project’s goals for increased mobility, reduced congestion, improved safety and system linkage.

The Louisville and Southern Indiana Bridges Authority is working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transportation to develop a financing plan for the project. A revised financial plan is expected to be completed before year’s end. The project team anticipates a Record of Decision by the Federal Highway Administration in the first several months of 2012, which will allow the states to move ahead with construction.

TARC Offering New Way to Make Trip Planning Easier

2011-11-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Transit Authority of River City (TARC) passengers can now use an online tool that makes planning a trip easier than ever.

TARC has joined the Google Transit partnership program, a network that provides bus routing and stop data in more than 400 cities across the globe.

Through the program, anyone searching the popular Google Maps (maps.google.com) site for directions in Greater Louisville can plan a trip on TARC. By choosing the public transit option and entering desired travel times and locations, passengers are provided step-by-step directions on TARC for their specific trips.

Mobile users can use the free Google Maps for mobile application available from http://m.google.com/maps or by visiting http://maps.google.com in the phone's browser.

“TARC is always working to make public transportation a more convenient option and Google Maps provides a simple, quick way to get TARC trip information. Our customers are going to enjoy using this, and we encourage people to try it out,” said J. Barry Barker, TARC Executive Director.

With Google Maps, names of businesses and landmarks can be entered instead of specific addresses in order to obtain routing directions to your destination. Passengers are provided estimate travel times and walking directions to the nearest TARC stop. Other features on Google Maps include Street View images of locations, satellite imagery, and support for 40 different languages and compatibility with screen readers for visually impaired users.

“The Google Transit program simplifies the use of public transportation for Louisville residents and visitors to our city,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said. “It is a great innovation and one more piece of the puzzle in building a stronger public transportation system.”

There is no cost to TARC for its participation in Google Transit.

TARC will feature a link to the Google trip planner on its website, www.ridetarc.org. TARC also will still offer its own Trip Planner on the TARC web site.

Additional information:

Transit Authority of River City: http://www.ridetarc.org/

Google Transit: http://www.google.com/transit

How To Use Google Transit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN0MljOP1Gg

Deadline to Comment on Proposed Amendments is Tomorrow

2011-11-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to comment on proposed amendments to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Project changes have been proposed for these documents and we would like to get your feedback. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan remains financially reasonable and the TIP remains fiscally constrained with the proposed changes. In addition, the projects have been reviewed by the Interagency Consultation Group for the regional emissions analysis. An air quality conformity report and documentation of the analysis are included on this page http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Drafts.aspx and can be viewed at all public libraries in Jefferson, Bullitt, Clark, Floyd and Oldham counties.

We invite you to review the project information and submit comments to the following address by tomorrow.

TIP & Plan Amendment
KIPDA
11520 Commonwealth Drive
Louisville, KY 40299

You may also email comments to kipda.trans@ky.gov or fax them to 502.266.5047, Attn: TIP & Plan Amendment.

For more information, call Josh Suiter at (502) 266-6084.

Lane Restrictions Tomorrow on Clark Memorial Bridge

2011-11-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced temporary lane restrictions for both north and southbound lanes on the Clark Memorial Bridge/Second Street Bridge for traffic detector installation.

The detectors provide specific information for each lane that includes volume and speed. The one day restrictions are scheduled for tomorrow (November 2) between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Motorists may encounter minimal delays.

INDOT strongly encourages motorists to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a highway construction zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot.

Proposed Amendment to the FY 2011 – FY 2015 Transportation Improvement Program & Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

2011-10-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) is the metropolitan transportation planning organization for the five county region including Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana. Our responsibilities include producing a long range transportation document, Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan with projects listed through the year 2030, as well as a short range planning document, the FY 2011 – FY 2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that identifies planned federal funding expenditures through 2015.

Project changes have been proposed for these documents and we would like to get your feedback. The Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan remains financially reasonable and the TIP remains fiscally constrained with the proposed changes. In addition, the projects have been reviewed by the Interagency Consultation Group for the regional emissions analysis. An air quality conformity report and documentation of the analysis are included on this page http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Drafts.aspx.

We invite you to review the project information and submit comments to the following address by November 3, 2011.

TIP & Plan Amendment

KIPDA

11520 Commonwealth Drive

Louisville, KY 40299

You may also email comments to kipda.trans@ky.gov or fax them to 502.266.5047, Attn: TIP & Plan Amendment.

In addition, you may review the documents and ask questions in person during a public open house on October 25, 2011, 4-6:30 p.m., Louisville Free Public Library’s Highlands-Shelby Park Branch, 1250 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY

For more information, call Josh Suiter at (502) 266-6084.

Louisville Residents Have New Way to Report Potholes

2011-10-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Need to report a pothole or a street light that isn’t working? Look no further than your iPhone or Android.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer unveiled the new Mobile311 smart phone application that allows citizens to report concerns, complaints or compliments with a quick click.

Citizens can snap pictures of problems and the image is geocoded and sent directly to Metro Government’s MetroCall 311 center.

“Citizens can interact with their city government by many methods – in person, over the phone, on the web, by Facebook and Twitter and now by smart phone,” Fischer said. “This app is the latest example of innovation at work in Louisville.”

The app is available for free download – search for “311 & MSD” in the smart phone app store or visit www.louisvilleky.gov/mobileapps

The new app was developed in conjunction with the city’s Technology Services Department and the Metropolitan Sewer District, which helps answer and process MetroCall 311 phone calls at night and on weekends.

Governors announce plans for Sherman-Minton Bridge repairs

2011-09-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said today the two states have agreed on a solution to repair the Sherman-Minton Bridge following three weeks of inspection, testing and analysis.

The bridge will remain closed for about six months whil repairs are made. Preliminary cost estimates are $20 million. Contractor bids, which will be opened in mid-October, will include incentives for early completion.

“We’ll do all we can to get the bridge opened as quickly as possible but there will be no shortcuts on safety. After considering multiple options, the experts agree the repair strategy that has been selected is the best option,” said Daniels, who ordered the bridge between New Albany and Louisville closed on September 9 following discovery of a serious crack in a steel tie.

“Our goal throughout this review process was to develop an aggressive plan to repair and reopen it as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am grateful that Administrator Victor Mendez has personally pledged to expedite the necessary federal reviews of this project, and I am hopeful that with incentives and innovative management from the construction bidders that we will be able to reopen even sooner.”

To repair the bridge, new steel plating will be installed along both sides of the bridge tie that runs horizontally along the entire 1,600-foot structure. This will increase the bridge’s safety and reliability. The repairs will give the bridge at least 20 more years of useful life. During the additional bridge testing, other weld defects were found at numerous locations that confirmed closing the bridge was the appropriate decision for public safety.

Indiana, which has lead responsibility for maintenance of the bridge, will issue bid documents to contractors interested completing the bridge repair on Tuesday (Oct. 4). Bids will be awarded in mid-October. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) conducted a pre-bid meeting with contractors earlier this week. The two states share bridge costs equally.

An incentive of $100,000 per day will be offered for each day the winning contractor finishes work before the target completion date. The incentive is capped at $5 million or 50 days.

Louisville Bike to Work Day 2011 is Tomorrow

2011-09-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Louisville's Bike to Work Day Celebration is tomorrow. Three locations around town will be set up at 7 a.m. so commuters can meet up and ride with others.

The three locations to meet for a ride are:

•Seneca Park Meet & Ride at the basketball court parking lot just west of the tennis courts

•Iroquois Park Meet & Ride at the the Amphitheater parking lot

•Shawnee Park Meet & Ride at the Southwestern and Broadway entrance

In addition at noon, there will be a celebration at 4th Street Live! Meet up with other commuters, learn more about bicycle commuting, visit with vendors and celebrate the bicycle! One of the lucky bike to work day registrants will win a new Trek 7000 commuting bike, with packs and rack, no purchase necessary! There will also be Louisville's printed bike map and drawings for other prizes!

Bike to Work Day will be held rain or shine. Participants can ride back to the meet and rides from 4th Street Live! at 5:15 p.m. The Meet & Ride locations feature parking if you are driving and will allow you to ride with other riders and ride captains from the Louisville Bicycle Club! Riders must have a helmet.

For more information or to register, go to http://www.louisvilleky.gov/BikeLouisville/biketoworkday2011.htm.

Lane Closure Monday on Interstate 65 on the John F. Kennedy Bridge

2011-09-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

The right lane of southbound Interstate 65 across the John F. Kennedy Bridge (mile points 136.7 and137.7) will be closed on Monday, September 12th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Engineers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will be performing their joint annual inspection of the bridge which carries Interstate 65 across the Ohio River from Jeffersonville, IN to Louisville, KY.

In addition, the exit ramps from southbound I-65 to both eastbound and westbound I-64 will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. as part of this inspection process.

The lane closure is subject to change due to inclement weather and other unforeseen delays. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

KIPDA Radio Program Available on Website

2011-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

A 20-minute program featuring KIPDA and the Metropolitan Planning Organization that aired a month ago on Way-FM (93.9 FM) and Shine 105.9 FM is now available on the KIPDA website.

It can be found at http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Public_Outreach.aspx.

The "Business Spotlight" is a free program and will address the MPO and the planning process. KIPDA staff participated in the pre-recorded interview.

The radio stations spotlight a different company, agency or organization every Sunday morning.

INDOT Making Repairs Along I-65

2011-08-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will be replacing concrete and asphalt and installing under-road drains on oth sides of I-65 from Sellersburg to Henryville.

The work is expected to last until mid-October. Drivers can expect lane changes, speed restrictions and possible onstructions due to the work.

TARC Prepares For Ironman, Changes Routes On Sunday

2011-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

TARC is adjusting several of its routes because of the Ford Ironman Triathalon on Sunday, August 28. Due to the event, there will street closures from 11 a.m. until the remainder of the day at different times.

Traffic will be allowed to cross the route on the following roadways when the area is clear of runners from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., after 2 p.m. 3rd Street will be closed to all traffic from Muhammad Ali to Southern Parkway at Newcut Road.

Jefferson Street
Liberty Street
Breckenridge Street
Kentucky Street
Hill Street
Cardinal Boulevard
Central Avenue

Be aware of the following detours:

Route #2 - Second Street Northbound - coaches will follow regular route to 2nd and Breckenridge, left on Breckenridge, right on 4th Street, left on Broadway, right on 5th Street, right on Market, right on 1st Street to regular route southbound. After 2 p.m. northbound coaches will continue 2nd Street to left on Jefferson Street, right on 5th to regular route.

Route #4 - Southbound - continue 4th Street to Cardinal Street, left on Cardinal, right on Bradley, right on Crittenden Drive, right on Nevada Street, left on 3rd (if traveling to Iroquois Park), left on 2nd Street to Southside Drive (if traveling to Southland Park). After 2 p.m. coaches will continue 4th Street through Central to right on Longfield, left on Taylor Blvd. to I-264 East to Crittenden Drive exit, left on Crittenden Drive, right on Nevada Street, left on 3rd (if traveling to Iroquois Park), left on 2nd Street to Southside Drive (if traveling to Southland Park).

Route #15 & 18 Eastbound - regular route on Market Street to 6th Street, right on 6th Street, left on Liberty Street, left on 2nd Street, right on Market Street to regular route. After 3 p.m. to regular route using Market and Jefferson Street.

Route #17 Eastbound after 3 p.m. - coaches from Liberty Street, left on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 2nd Street, left on Liberty Street to regular route.

Route #43 Southbound - regular route on Market Street to 6th Street, right on 6th Street, left on Liberty Street, left on 2nd Street, right on Market street to regular route. After 3 p.m. to regular route using Market and Jefferson Street.

Route #19 & 21 Eastbound - continue Chestnut Street to 5th Street, left on 5th Street, right on Liberty Street, right on 2nd Street, left on Chestnut Street to regular route. After 3 p.m. left on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 2nd Street, left on Chestnut Street to regular route.

Route #19 & 21 Westbound - continue Muhammad Ali to 2nd Street, right on 2nd , left on Jefferson Street, left on 6th Street, right on Muhammad Ali to regular route.

Route #23 Eastbound - continue Broadway to 4th Street, right on 4th Street, left on Kentucky Street, left on 2nd Street, right on Broadway Street to regular route. After 2 p.m. left on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 2nd Street, left on Broadway to regular route.

Route #23 Westbound - continue Broadway to right on Brook Street, left on Gray Street, left on 1st Street, right on Breckenridge Street, right on 4th Street, left on Broadway to regular route. After 2 p.m. right 2nd Street, left on Jefferson Street, left on 6th Street, right on Broadway to regular route.

Route #25 Eastbound - continue Oak Street to 4th Street, left on 4th Street, right on Kentucky Street, right on 1st Street, left on Oak Street to regular route. After 2 p.m. left on 4th Street, left on Broadway, right on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 1st Street, left on Oak Street to regular route.

Route #25 Westbound - continue Oak Street to 2nd Street, right on 2nd Street, left on Breckenridge Street, left on 4th Street, right on Oak Street to regular route. After 2 p.m. from St. Catherine to I-65 North to I-64 West to 9th Street exit, left on Kentucky Street, right on 4th Street, right on St. Catherine Street, left on Garvin Place, right on Oak Street to regular route.

Route #27 Eastbound- After 2 p.m- left on 4th Street, left on Broadway, right on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 1st Street, left on Hill Street to regular route.

Route #27 Westbound- After 2 p.m.- right on Brook Street, right on Oak Street, left on Floyd Street, right on St. Catherine to I-65 North to I-64 West to 9th Street exit, left on Kentucky Street, right on 4th Street, right on St. Catherine Street, left on Garvin Place, left on Oak Street, right on 4th Street, right on Hill Street to regular route.

Route #29 Eastbound - regular route on Winkler Avenue to 4th Street, left on 4th Street, right on Cardinal Street, right on Bradley Street thru to Crittenden Drive, left on Eastern Parkway to regular route. After 2 p.m. left on 4th Street, left on Industry, right on 7th via 9th to I-64. East to I-65 South to Arthur Street exit, left on Cardinal via Brandeis, right on Bradley, right on Crittenden Drive, left on Eastern Parkway to regular route.

Route #29 Westbound - regular route on Eastern Parkway to Crittenden Drive, right on Crittenden Drive, left on Bradley, left on Brandeis via Cardinal to left on 4th Street, right on Winkler to regular route. After 2 p.m. right on Crittenden Drive, left on Warnock, right on I-65 North to I-64 West to 9th Street via 7th Street, left on Industry, right on 4th Street, right on Winkler to regular route.

Route #71 & 72 Southbound & Northbound - from Indiana - coaches will take I-65 South to Jefferson Street exit, left on 1st Street, right on Breckenridge Street, right on 4th Street, left on Broadway, right on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 4th Street, left on Liberty to I- 65 North to exit 0 to right on Court Avenue to regular route. After 2 p.m. coaches will take I-65 South to Jefferson Street exit, left on 1st Street, right on Broadway, right on 2nd Street, left on Jefferson Street, right on 6th Street, left on York Street, left on 4th Street, left on Broadway to right on 5th Street, right on Market Street, right on 1st Street, left on Liberty Street to I-65 north to exit 0 to right on Court Avenue to regular route.

Sherman Minton Bridge Undergoing Repairs

2011-08-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't been on the Sherman Minton bridge this week, be aware you could be facing some delays.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that bridge maintenance will require a continuous closure for one of the three I-64 eastbound lanes. The lane closure is expected to impact rush hour traffic for several months on the lower deck of the bridge, but not the upper deck that carries I-64 westbound traffic across the Ohio River.

Most work will take place underneath the driving surface of the bridge over the Ohio River. A continuous work zone speed limit of 45 miles per hour will also be in effect for the safety of motorists and contractors. Commuters should expect delays and consider following I-265 to I-65 as an alternate route.

TARC to provide service to the Kentucky State Fair

2011-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) will be offering bus service to the Kentucky State Fair, which begins tomorrow and runs through August 28.

TARC will offer additional service on Route No. 2 (Second Street Buses) that display "to fairgrounds." They will leave Fifth and Market streets downtown every 70 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily during the fair.

The cost to ride on this service is the regular fare of $1.50 one-way. As the bus enters the fairgrounds, state fair employees will board the bus and accept payment for entry into the fair.

Admission prices to the fair are $10 for adults, $6 for children 3-12 and seniors ages 55 and older.

The bus will stop near the H lot opposite of Broadbent Arena and depart from that stop to return to the downtown area, with the last one leaving the fair at 11:10 p.m. each night. All buses are wheelhchair accessible and have bicycle racks.

There is also additonal service near the fairgrounds on Crittenden Drive (Route No. 2) and Preston Highway (Route No. 18). Those routes will not enter the fairgrounds.

KY 22 widening construction to begin this week

2011-08-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 Office announced that motorists might want to be aware of impending construction on KY 22 between Chamberlain Lane and Murphy Lane (mile points 4.0 and 5.6).

A press releases from the cabinet said the work is scheduled to begin later this week to widen KY 22 to three lanes in each direction between Chamberlain Lane and KY 1694. The section of roadway between KY 1694 and Murphy Lane will be widened to a three-lane section that includes a center turn lane. Right turn lanes will be constructed at key locations.

Kelsey Construction LLC of Shepherdsville, KY, was awarded the contract for this project in the amount of $6.3 million. The work is scheduled for completion in November of 2012.

Two-way traffic will be maintained between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. each day. Motorists should watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Lane closures may occur in the evening and overnight hours with traffic being directed by flaggers.

On average, 20,000 vehicles travel this section of roadway each day. The speed limit in the work zone will be reduced to 35 MPH.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for the District 5 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

TARC makes changes to #4 and #40 routes

2011-08-12T10:13:00.001-07:00

To meet increasing customer demands on two routes, TARC is adopting service changes effective August 22.

TARC will extend #4-Fourth Street south about 3/4 of a mile to provide service for the Glengarry neighborhood in south Louisville. In addition, a new morning express trip will be added on schedules for the #40-Bardstown Rd.-Jeffersontown because of an increase in ridership.

For more information, go to http://www.ridetarc.org/SpecialEvents.asp?ArticleID=501

KIPDA Radio Program to Air Sunday Morning

2011-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

A 20-minute program featuring KIPDA and the Metropolitan Planning Organization will air this Sunday at 6:40 a.m. on Way-FM (93.9 FM) and Shine 105.9 FM.

The "Business Spotlight" is a free program and will address the MPO and the planning process. KIPDA staff participated in the pre-recorded interview on Monday.

The radion stations spotlight a different company, agency or organization every Sunday morning.

KIPDA will be placing the interview on the website after the program airs and they receive the CD from the station.

KYTC Announces Several Road and Ramp Closures

2011-07-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Department of Highways District 5 Office has announced several closures recently. Below are the closures so you can be prepared for delays.

Temporary ramp closures on Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) and Interstate 64 as part of the pavement repairs on I-265. The ramps listed below will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29th until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 1st.

Exit ramp from southbound Interstate 265 to eastbound Interstate 64 (Exit 25A)
Exit ramp from westbound Interstate 64 to southbound Interstate 265 (Exit 19A)
For motorists exiting from southbound I-265 to eastbound I-64, follow the signed detour via southbound I-265 to KY 155 (Taylorsville Road), access northbound I-265 and follow to eastbound I-64. For motorists exiting from westbound I-64 to southbound I-265, follow the signed detour via westbound I-64 to Blankenbaker Parkway (Exit 17), access eastbound I-64 and follow to southbound I-265.Vehicles with loads greater than 11 feet in width will not be permitted on southbound I-265 between US 60 and I-64 from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29th until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 1st. A wide load detour will be signed for this interchange.

Temporary closure of the left lane on westbound Interstate 64 in Jefferson County at the ramp to southbound Interstate 65 (mile point 4.9). This lane closure is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27^th from 7:00 p.m. until midnight and will allow for guardrail repairs. The ramp to southbound Interstate 65 will remain open during this work.
Temporary lane closures on northbound Interstate 71 in Oldham County between mile points 17 and 18 near Buckner. The following lane closures will allow for bridge deck repairs:

Right lane closed Tuesday evening, July 26th from 7:00 p.m. until midnight
Left lane closed Thursday evening, July 28th from 7:00 p.m. until midnight

Temporary lane closures on eastbound Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) in Jefferson County between Shelbyville Road and Westport Road (mile points 19.7 and 20.8). These lane closures are scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th and Thursday, July 28th from 8:00 p.m. each evening until 5:00 a.m. the following morning and will allow for overhead sign installation.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to http://www.511.ky.gov/ for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Ribbon cutting held on Blankenbaker Lane Extension and Watterson Trail

2011-07-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Governor Steve Beshear, joined by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and other local officials, celebrated the opening of the eagerly awaited Blankenbaker Parkway extension during a ceremony today.

The new, four-lane roadway provides direct access from Taylorsville Road to the Bluegrass Commerce Park and an improved linkage between the industrial park and Interstate 265.

Gov. Steve Beshear as well as Louisville Metro Mayor Greg Fischer
and Jeffersontown Mayor Bill Dieruf joined others during the ribbon cutting.

“This new roadway offers new possibilities for Jefferson County,” Gov. Beshear said. “For residents of the immediate area, and those who make their living in and around Bluegrass Commerce Park, it means less traffic congestion and much greater mobility. For the community as a whole, it means greater development potential and the promise of future jobs.”

The parkway extension, for which Gov. Beshear broke ground in March 2010, was a $9.4 million project, of which $6 million was for construction. The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) paid design, right-of-way and utility costs from dedicated federal highway funds. Construction funding was through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Flynn Brothers Contracting Inc., of Louisville, was the builder.

The new roadway – four lanes with a grass median – stretches six-tenths of a mile to connect the parkway to Taylorsville Road. The project included construction of sidewalks on both sides of the roadway and noise barrier walls for the benefit of neighboring residences.

Before construction of the extension, motorists going to the industrial park from Taylorsville Road had to negotiate narrow, curving, two-lane Chenoweth Run.

“The opening of this much-anticipated roadway will not only increase mobility for citizens who live and work in this area but will also improve safety for all drivers,” Mayor Fischer said. “The project also caters to pedestrians with newly installed sidewalks.”

“With this project, the investments of the Recovery Act are continuing to pay dividends in Louisville,” said Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03). “By funding the construction of this new roadway, these investments put people to work right away and improved our infrastructure to ease commerce and commuting for years to come.”

Jeffersontown Mayor Bill Dieruf said construction of the extension completes a component of the master plan for the commerce park, “A Vision for Today and Tomorrow.”

“Improved access to the Bluegrass Commerce Park is vital to businesses today,” he added. “Companies like Signature Healthcare, SHPS and Papa John’s call Jeffersontown and the Bluegrass Commerce Park home, and making strategic infrastructure investments with the extension of Blankenbaker Parkway is important to their success.”

Cuts ribbon for Skyview Park-Gaslight Square multi-use path in Jeffersontown

Also Wednesday, Gov. Beshear joined Mayor Dieruf and other local officials in a ribbon cutting to open the Skyview Park-Gaslight Square multi-use bike and pedestrian path along Watterson Trail, which is KY 1819. The most notable feature of the path is a steel truss pedestrian bridge over Chenoweth Run Road.

“Outdoor activity and exercise has been a big part of my life and the lives of our entire family,” Gov. Beshear said. “Walking and riding bicycles are not only good for your health. They’re two of our most enjoyable and beneficial outdoor pastimes.”

“Connecting the neighborhoods to the downtown, city parks, commercial corridors and the workplace with the Bluegrass Commerce Park this trail will enhance accessibility throughout the city and make Jeffersontown truly a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community,” Mayor Dieruf said. “Providing a safe and enjoyable place to ride a bike or walk will encourage physical fitness and family exercise while having a little fun along the way, too.”

Proposed Amendment to the FY 2011 – FY 2015 Transportation Improvement Program & Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

2011-06-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

KIPDA is proposing project changes to the Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program. The projects have been reviewed by the Interagency Consultation Group for the regional emissions analysis. An air quality conformity report and documentation of the analysis are included in this link: http://www.kipda.org/files/PDF/Transportation_Division/TIP/Proposed_Amendment_June_2011.pdf

We invite you to review the project information and submit comments to the following address by July 11, 2011.

TIP & Plan Amendment
KIPDA
11520 Commonwealth Drive
Louisville, KY 40299

You may also email comments to kipda.trans@ky.gov or fax them to 502.266.5047, Attn: TIP & Plan Amendment.

In addition, you may review the documents and ask questions in person during public open houses held at the following times and locations:

June 29, 2011: 10 am to 2 pm at KIPDA, 11520 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, Kentucky
June 29, 2011: 4 p.m. to 6:30 pm at the Iroquois Public Library, 601 W Woodlawn Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky

For more information, call Josh Suiter at (502) 266-6084.

Ramp and road closures announced

2011-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office announces temporary closure of the following ramps as part of the concrete pavement repair project on Interstate 264:

• Entrance ramp from Taylor Boulevard to eastbound Interstate 264
• Entrance ramp from Third Street to eastbound Interstate 264

These ramps are scheduled for closure from 10:00 p.m. on today, June 17th until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 20th. Motorists should follow the signed detours.

In addition, there will be impending construction on KY 1065 (Outer Loop) in Jefferson County at Northern Ditch bridge (mile point 1.4). Work is scheduled to begin the week of June 27th to replace the bridge deck at this location. The curb, railing and drains on the structure will also be replaced.

Louisville Paving, Inc. was awarded the contract for this project in the amount of $358,540. The work is scheduled for completion by November 15, 2011.

During construction, KY 1065 will be closed at the bridge for 30 days. The closure is scheduled to begin on June ¬¬27th at 6:00 a.m. Motorists should follow the signed detour via National Turnpike, KY 841 (Gene Snyder Freeway) and New Cut Road.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for the District 5 counties also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

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Dump the Pump is tomorrow!

2011-06-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the sixth annual National Dump the Pump Day tomorrow, June 16.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2011 National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life.

Currently, AAA of Louisville estimates the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded to be $3.72 at local gas stations, an almost $1 per gallon increase over this time last year.

“We’re taking the opportunity on Dump the Pump day to remind folks that we offer an efficient, and inexpensive way to travel around Greater Louisville,” said TARC’s Executive Director Barry Barker. “Leave the car in the garage – and let us do the driving for you.”

According to the APTA, a two-person household that downsizes to one car can save – on the average – of more than $10,000 per year.

“Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices – if it is available in your community,” said APTA President William Millar. “Additionally, riding public transportation on National Dump the Pump Day helps the environment and reduces our country’s dependence on oil.”

Currently, more than one-quarter of the United States’ total greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. Public transportation saves more than 37 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year – that’s the equivalent to the emissions generated to power every household in Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined.

Lane Markings to Be Modified at Interstate 64 and Interstate 264

2011-06-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 5 Office has announced temporary exit ramp closures from westbound Interstate 64 to both eastbound and westbound Interstate 264 (mile point 12.1). Ramps are scheduled for closure from midnight on Friday, June 10th until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th. Motorists will need to follow the signed detour via the Cannons Lane exit (Exit 10).

Crews will be restriping the pavement at the exit ramps and installing new overhead signs. Construction was completed last fall on an auxillary lane on westbound I-64 and changes were made to provide two exit only lanes for I-264 (Watterson Expressway). After observing a heavy queue of traffic and an increase in crashes at the ramp from westbound I-64 to I-264, engineers re-evaluated this interchange and decided to modify the striping configuration.

The right/outside lane of westbound I-64 is currently an exit only lane for eastbound I-264. This lane will be changed to allow motorists to exit for both eastbound and westbound I-264. The adjacent lane is an exit only lane for westbound I-264. The two lanes exiting for westbound I-264 will merge into one lane on the flyover ramp as was the previous configuration prior to construction last year.

The two left lanes of westbound I-64 closest to the median barrier wall will continue as through lanes.

In addition to the ramp closures, the two right lanes of westbound I-64 will be closed between Hurstbourne Parkway and I-264 to allow for overhead sign installation. These lane closures are scheduled from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10th until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for the District 5 counties also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Sustainable City Series Features Active Design Workshop

2011-06-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

A Sustainable Series workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon June 10 at Glassworks, 815. W. Market St., in Louisville.

The Active Design Workshop provides a hands-on demonstration of how Active Design guidelines and other design techniques can be used to increase regular physical activity and eating habits. Participants will be introduced to tools and techniques to incorporate physcla activity int othe built enviornment.

The program will provide a new perspective on the design of buildings and transportation infastructure and show how area plans can provide opportunities for healthy living.

Guests speakers include: Jim Mims, director of the Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations; Dr. Matt Zahn, acting director of Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness; Dr. Karen Lee, director of Built Enviornment Department of New York City; Patrick Nall, principal at TBD+; and Bill and Kent Weylend, of City Properties Group.

The workshop is free but space is limited. To register, go to http://www.udstudio.org/ by June 8. Heine Brothers will provide coffee.

The program is sponsored by Louisville Metro Mayor's Healthy Hometown, University of Louisville Urban and Public Affairs, The Kentucky Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, American Institute of Architects Central Kentucky Chapter, TDB+ and City Properties Group.

For more infromation, call (502) 587-7015 or go to http://www.udstudio.org/.

Louisville Metro Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike, Bike and Paddle is Monday

2011-05-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Louisville Metro is hosting their annual Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike and Paddle event on Monday on the Great Lawn of Waterfront Park.

Booths open at 8:30 a.m. along with a DJ, stage activities, live entertainment, signups for door prizes, free t-shirts for participants, children's activities and food and drinks.

There will be a design warm up led by Fierece Fitness at 9:05 a.m. and Mayor Greg Fischer will welcome the crowd at 10 a.m. before the races begin.

Participants of all ages can chose to bike one to 16 miles and there will be turnarounds and water stops long the ride.

There will also be a 5K walking loops at begins at Waterfront Park and there are longer walk options.

Participants can also paddle 3 miles from Waterfront Park to Towhead Island and Beargrass Creek.

Hand cyclers, wheelchairs, dogs on leashes, strollers and wagons are welcomed.

There will also be live performances by Corey Brumback and Stacey King at noon and The St. James Hotel at 1 p.m.

For more information, go to http://www.bikebikeandpaddle.org/ or email specialevents@louisvilleky.gov.

TARC announces teen summer passes, new route along Louisville Loop

2011-05-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has Summer Youth Pass for $30. The passes provide unlimited rides for anyone aged 6-17 on TARC bus routes all summer long. It is a great way for young people to access jobs and destinations throughout Greater Louisville while building self confidence and self reliance, important skills for lifelong success.

Passes can be purchased at the following locations:

• Union Station. 1000 W. Broadway
• Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
• All Fifth Third banks
• Louisville Free Public Library, Third and York streets

Online at http://www.ridetarc.org/

By mail by sending a check or money order for $30, with your name, address and phone number, to: SUMMER YOUTH PASS; c/o TARC cashier; 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

In addition, TARC's "Loop to the Loop" bus route began Saturday connecting neighborhoods near downtown and western Louisville with the Louisville Loop recreational trail and other Metro Parks.

For a schedule and map of TARC's Loop to the Loop weekend and holiday route, go to http://www.ridetarc.org/EditorUpload/file/Loop%20Schedule%20cropped.pdf. The schedule also includes new service on weekends and holidays to Riverview Park on the Louisville Loop via regular buses on Rt. #63-Crums Lane.

The TARC "Loop to the Loop" route is funded through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work federal grant that Louisville Metro received last year to further the work of the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement. The route and Riverview Park TARC trips will last for up to a year with $313,000 in grant funds. Regular bus fare of $1.50 will be charged and bus-fare passes will be accepted.

Spring 2011 KIPDA Horizons Newsletter Available

2011-05-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Horizons Newsletter is available on the KIPDA website at http://www.kipda.org/files/PDF/Transportation_Division/Newsletters/KIPDA_Transportation_Newsletter_-_Spring_2011.pdf/

In this issue you will find information about:

Progress on the ARRA Projects
Ticket to Ride's Ridership Survey
An update on the Big Four Bridge
New TPC members, leaders

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Now Has Facebook Page

2011-05-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 5 Office has joined the rapidly growing number of government agencies (including KIPDA) with a presence on the social networking site Facebook. The District 5 page, available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5, provides access to highway information in the district’s 8-county service area.

A Facebook account is not required to view the page, but Facebook members who “like” the District 5 page will have updates automatically sent to their Facebook home pages. Visitors can view the District 5 page on their home computers, as well as on Internet-enabled “smart phones” such as BlackBerry, iPhone and Android.

“This is yet another way to allow us to communicate important information to drivers in our area,” said Matt Bullock, Chief District Engineer. “We can use this popular social networking site to provide updates on highway conditions and other basic information on construction and maintenance efforts that may impact the daily commute or cross-country travel through the region.”

The district regularly provides traffic advisories to news media, school transportation officials, police, fire departments, and other emergency agencies via e-mail. Some regular commuters have asked to receive those detailed notices. However, Bullock said basic highway information can be conveyed more quickly through Facebook.

District 5 covers the counties of Bullitt, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble. Headquartered in Louisville, the district’s 315 employees are responsible for about 2,400 miles of highway across the eight-county region.

In addition to the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5, information on highway conditions across Kentucky is available at http://www.511.ky.gov/ or by dialing 511 from any phone in Kentucky. Links to highway information in surrounding states are available on the http://www.511.ky.gov/ website.

KIPDA's Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Kentuckiana-Regional-Planning-Development-Agency-Transportation-Division/72956795818.

Area roads closed due to flooding

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

As of 8 a.m. today, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 Office advises motorists that the following roadways are closed due to high water or damage from flooding:

• KY 22 in Jefferson County flooded between Chamberlain Lane and Murphy Lane (mile points 4.0 and 5.6) NEW
• KY 1230 (Lower River Road) flooded between Watson Lane and Fincastle Trail (mile points 0 and 1.0) NEW
• KY 362 in Oldham County flooded between Hawley Gibson Road and the Oldham/Shelby County line NEW
• KY 420 (Old Lawrenceburg Road) in Franklin County between the Capital Parking Garage and East Third Street (mile points 3 and 4) NEW
• KY 1262 (Rocky Branch Road) in Franklin County closed between Lucas Lane and Peaks Mill Road (mile points 5.2 and 6.6) due to a rock slide
• Exit ramp from westbound Interstate 64 to Third Street (Exit 5) in Jefferson County is flooded
• KY 44 West in Bullitt County flooded in Bullitt County between Shepherdsville and Dixie Highway (mile points 9 and 11)
• KY 480 (Cedar Grove Road) in Bullitt County flooded at mile point 10 near Woodsdale Road
• KY 1494 (Beech Grove Road) in Bullitt County flooded between mile points 3 and 4
• KY 1694 (Sleepy Hollow Road) in Oldham County is closed between the Jefferson/Oldham County line and the Harrods Creek Bridge (mile points 0 and 1.0) due to damaged pavement from a slide
• KY 2885 (Bowman Lane/River Road) in Spencer County flooded at the Simpson Creek Bridge (mile pint 2.6)
• KY 2885 (Bowman Lane/River Road) in Spencer County reduced to one lane at mile point 6.5 due to a slide
• KY 2871 (Connector Road) in Trimble County between mile points 0 and 1

Driving into flood waters is one of the most dangerous things one can do behind the wheel. Never drive through flooded roadways, especially if the water is moving rapidly, and never drive around the barriers warning you that the road is flooded.

Motorists should also use caution as tree limbs, gravel and other debris is littering the roadway from all of the heavy rains.

Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

FY2011-FY2015 Transportation Improvement Program and Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment 1 Public Review and Open House

2011-03-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to projects in the 2011-2015 Transportation Improvement Plan and the Horizon 2030 Long-Range Transportation Plan. The public review and comment period begins on Monday, March 28, 2011, and runs through April 11, 2011.

Proposed Amendment Packet is available at http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Drafts.aspx

This information is also available for public review at public libraries in Bullitt, Clark, Floyd, Jefferson and Oldham counties and by calling Josh Suiter at 502-266-6084, 1-800-648-6056 (KY TDD) or 1-800-962-8408 (IN TDD). Comments may be sent to KIPDA, 11520 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, KY 40299 or emailed to Kipda.trans@ky.gov. Please get comments to us no later than Monday, April 11, 2011.

Open House Meetings for Proposed Amendments
KIPDA will host open houses at these dates, times and locations:

Open House Meeting #1
Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
KIPDA Conference Room
11520 Commonwealth Drive
Louisville, Kentucky

Open House Meeting #2
Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Jeffersonville Branch Library
211 E. Court Ave.
Jeffersonville, Indiana

Open House Meeting #3
Thursday, March 31, 2011, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
South Louisville Community Center
2911 Taylor Blvd.
Louisville, Kentucky

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, people needing assistance should contact KIPDA with the requirements at the telephone numbers or address listed above.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Announces Ramp and Lane Closures

2011-03-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 5 Office has announced the following ramp and lane closures on areas interstates:

Southbound Interstate 71 at the Zorn Avenue overpass (mile point 1.7). The lane closure is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd from 7:00 p.m. until midnight and will allow for bridge deck repairs.

Temporary lane closures on westbound Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) at Newburg Road (mile point 14.5) as part of the sound barrier construction. These lane closures will allow for placement of the sound wall sections. The entrance ramp from Newburg Road to westbound Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) will be reduced to one lane on Wednesday, March 23rd and Thursday, March 24th from 7:00 p.m. each evening until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. In addition, the right lane of westbound I-264 underneath Newburg Road (mile point 14.5) will be closed during all this time.

Temporary ramp closures on Interstate 64 and Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) to allow for guardrail repairs. The following ramps will be closed on Wednesday, March 23rd from 7:00 p.m. until midnight:

• Exit ramp from eastbound Interstate 64 to northbound Interstate 265 (Exit 19)

• Exit ramp from northbound Interstate 265 to westbound Interstate 64 (Exit 25)

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Canal District Design Plans Public Meeting Tonight

2011-03-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

The City of Jeffersonville is holding a public meeting tonight to unveil preliminary Canal District designs at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 Quartermaster Court.

The canal's master planners took information from a recent workshop and evaluated it to complete the plans. This is the public's first look at the potential development including the location of the civic center, parks and commercial space.

For more information, go to http://www.cityofjeff.net/.

Federal grant provides weekend TARC route for Louisville Loop, other parks

2011-02-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) will launch a new weekend route this spring to get more people to enjoy walking and biking along the Louisville Loop. The new service is funded through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work federal grant the city of Louisville received last March to further the work of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement.

Two TARC buses equipped to hold six bicycles, four more than regular buses - will travel in a loop on weekends through a dozen neighborhoods, with stops accessing the Louisville Loop and several parks, under the plans.

The weekend route extends from Smoketown and Phoenix Hill on the east to Shawnee and Chickasaw on the west. It travels near the waterfront on the north, through Portland, circling south through Park Hill, Algonquin, Park DuValle and Chickasaw neighborhoods.

With grant funds, TARC also will provide several new weekend trips to Riverview Park on the Louisville Loop in southwest Jefferson County, using regular buses on Route #63-Crums Lane, with park access using Greenwood Road.

The service is scheduled to begin in mid-May and will last for up to a year with $313,000 in grant funds. Regular bus fare of $1.50 will be charged and bus-fare passes will be accepted.

“TARC is excited about providing this service and helping achieve the goal of a healthier Louisville. The planned route and additional space for bikes on board will give people more opportunities to develop healthy habits and enjoy our parks,” said J. Barry Barker, executive director of TARC.

TARC invites public comments about the planned service through March 18 and has scheduled two public open houses:

Tuesday, March 8: 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at The Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway,
Louisville, KY 40211.

Comments can also be sent to TARC by clicking “Contact Us” on the TARC website – www.ridetarc.org - or by calling 561-5112. The mailing address is TARC, Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203.

The 40-foot buses on the new weekend route will be equipped with bike racks on the inside for four additional bikes and will remain accessible for one wheelchair. The buses will feature a wrap-bus design on the outside to draw attention to the service and to promote healthy lifestyles. Schedules and other information will be developed and widely circulated when details of the route plans are final.

The route will provide access to Shawnee, Chickasaw, Lannan and Waterfront parks and the Louisville Loop, which is completed from downtown to Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing. The route intersects with 22 regular TARC routes and includes connections to Route #63-Crums Lane for travel to Riverview Park. Connections are at Seventh and Hill streets and Sixth or Fifth Streets and Jefferson Street. Regular buses that can accommodate two bikes will travel Route #63, under the plans.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision for information in an alternative format, will be provided at the public meetings for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Language translators will also be provided upon request. Call 561-5112 or 561-5115 with specific information on your needs.

I-65, I-71 Ramp Closures Tonight

2011-02-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office has announced evening work at various locations on the interstate system in Jefferson County. Shoulder closures will be utilized to perform guard repairs at the following locations tonight 6:30 p.m. and midnight:

• Southbound Interstate 71 at Interstate 64 exit
• Northbound Interstate 65 at the exit to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center
• Southbound Interstate 65 at Jefferson Street exit
• Northbound Interstate 65 at Muhammad Ali Boulevard exit (EXIT RAMP WILL BE CLOSED FOR A SHORT DURATION)

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Seeks Votes On PSA Contest For Teens

2011-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Distracted driving is threatening the lives – and taking lives – of young drivers. To raise awareness of the danger, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) sponsored a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for public and private high schools throughout the state.

“This is the first year we sponsored a PSA contest and our office was pleased with the submittals,” said KOHS Director Boyd Sigler. “But we need your help to choose the winner. By getting the public involved in the process, we hope to save even more lives.”

Of the 17 submittals, a panel of judges selected three top contenders. The three PSAs are currently on the KOHS website http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/psa_video_contest.asp for public viewing and voting. Voting will be open until noon on Friday, Feb. 18. The winner will be chosen on the basis of public online and internal Transportation Cabinet voting results.

Students were invited to create scripts for 30-second PSAs focused on distracted driving risks and/or prevention strategies. The KOHS will host a press event at the winning school and the winners will be recognized at the Kentucky Lifesavers Conference at the Galt House in Louisville on April 26. The winning PSA will air at the Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet 16 basketball tournaments in March and during the KOHS statewide distracted driving campaign through broadcast agreements with Big Blue Sports Marketing and WAZOO Sports Network.

KIPDA committee elects new leadership

2011-02-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Transportation Technical Coordinating Committee (TTCC) has announced its 2011 chairman and vice-chairman.

The committee elected Jim Urban, Oldham County Director of Planning and Development Services, as their chairman. Urban has previously served as the committee’s vice-chairman in 1997 and 1998 and as its chairman in 1999 and 2000.

In addition, the committee elected Tom Clevidence, Town of Clarksville’s Town Engineer, as the vice-chairman. He has served as the TTCC chairman in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007 and as the vice-chairman in 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005.

The committee is comprised of technical staff members such as public works engineers and land use planners for area agencies as well as other interests as designated by the TPC. The role of the TTCC is to provide technical advice to and assist the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) in carrying out the responsibilities of the Louisville (KY-IN) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The committee meets the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. and meetings are open to the public. The agenda includes a public comment period.

For more information on the meetings, go to www.kipda.org or call Josh Suiter, Community Outreach Specialist, at (502) 266-6084.

TARC makes changes to area routes

2011-02-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has announced changes are beginning Feb. 13 including a bus stopping every 15 minutes at all stops on major sections of Routes #18 and #23 from 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Maps and schedules reflecting the upcoming changes are available at http://www.ridetarc.org/SpecialEvents.asp?ArticleID=459. Paper copies are available at the TARC offices, 1000 W. Broadway.

A federal grant is covering the additional service on the two routes, which serve a huge part of Louisville Metro and carry 20 percent of TARC's ridership. The 15-minute service on #18 extends from Dixie Highway at Bethany Lane to Preston Highway at Fern Valley Road, connecting downtown on Market Street (eastbound) and Jefferson Street (westbound). Route #23 service is on Broadway, from Southwestern Parkway, to Baxter Avenue and then on Bardstown Road to Taylorsville Road. Weekend service on those routes will also improve with bus arrivals every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other changes include:

• Route #18 will be rerouted to serve the east side of the University of Louisville's Belknap campus. Route #2 will be rerouted to cover about a mile of Preston Highway that will no longer be part of the #18 route.

• Additional connections linking downtown, South Louisville, the University of Louisville's Belknap campus and the Louisville Medical Center include rerouting of Route #4 to include a loop around the Louisville Medical Center.

• Routes #43 and #27 will be extended in the Portland neighborhood to serve a Kroger on 35th Street near Bank Street. There will no longer be a stop at the Portland Loop on Portland Avenue at 32nd Street.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ELECTS 2011 OFFICERS

2011-01-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Tom Galligan

The Transportation Policy Committee has announced its 2011 chairman and vice-chairman.

The committee chairman will be Tom Galligan, Mayor of Jeffersonville (Ind.), who has previously served as a TPC chairman from 2000-2003. He is also the current vice-chairman of the KIPDA board of directors.

In addition, the committee also selected Sherry Conner, Mayor of Shively, to serve as the vice-chairman of the committee. She also served as the secretary/treasurer for KIPDA’s board of directors.

Sherry Conner

The committee is comprised of elected officials and transportation providers who make decisions for the agency and oversees how some federal dollars are spent locally. The committee meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. and meetings are open to the public. The agenda includes a public comment period.

For more information on the meetings, go to www.kipda.org or call Josh Suiter, Community Outreach Specialist, at (502) 266-6084.

I-65 in "Hospital Curve" will have temporary lane closures tonight

2011-01-04T11:38:00.001-08:00

The Department of Highways District 5 Office announces the temporary closure of the right lane on northbound Interstate 65 in “Hospital Curve” (mile points 135.7). This lane closure is scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 4th from 7:00 p.m. until midnight and will allow for barrier wall repairs.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Horizons Newsletter Now Available

2010-12-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

In this issue you will find information about:

An update on the Big Four Bridge
Two safety projects in New Albany
KIPDA planning documents completed and approved
Bullitt County Transportation Study complete
Trolley rides in Louisville, Jeffersonville

Also, there is a story in this issue about the Water Taxi in Jeffersonville. KIPDA found out today that this service will be discontinued on Friday. Our newsletter story was completed prior to this information being released.

Fines for Texting While Driving Begin January 1, 2011

2010-12-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder that beginning Jan. 1, 2011, fines will be issues to anyone caught texting while driving and for those under 18 who use a cell phone while driving.

Violators will be liable for fines of $25 on a first offense and $50 on each subsequent offense, plus court costs.

“Safety is a top priority of this administration,” said Gov. Steve Beshear through a press release. “I am convinced that this new law, which many people worked with us to pass, will reduce crashes and fatalities on Kentucky roadways.”

In Kentucky last year, there were more than 57,000 crashes – and more than 200 fatalities -- attributed to driver distraction, inattention and cell phone use. Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 415 into law on April 15, 2010.

A press release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the law bans texting for drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in motion. For drivers over 18, it allows the use of global positioning devices and reading, selecting or entering a telephone number or name for the purpose of making a phone call. Texting is allowed only to report illegal activity or to request medical or emergency aid.

Drivers under 18 cannot use personal communication devices such as cell phones and pagers while the vehicle is in motion. The use of a global positioning system is allowed, but manually entering information must be completed while the vehicle is stopped.

Kentucky was the 22nd state to ban texting while driving. Currently, 30 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers. Twelve of these laws were enacted in 2010 alone.

Information on distracted driving is at http://distraction.gov and http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/.

Federal Certification Review Complete, Results Available Online

2010-12-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration have completed the Federal Ceritification Review for the Louisville Southern Indiana Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), its planning partners and the areas planning process.

Federal reviewers came to the KIPDA offices and met with staff and the planning partners to obtain information on the planning practices and also held a public meeting. The results of their finding are as follows:

Corrective actions - which are elements of the planning process that are not being adequately addressed by the MPO:

(1) States are required to develop planning agreements with the MPOs to clarify roles and responsibilities and to explain how they will work cooperatively in the development of planning tools such as metropolitan transportation plans and transportation improvement programs. The review team found a lack of clarity and certainty regarding identification of projects and revenues in the metropolitan region and issues a corrective action to the MPO and the two states that the planning agreements must be updated to more clearly describe the process used by them to develop revenue estimates and projects' cost.

(2) The Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) expired on December 8, 2009, and the MPO is in a one-year grace period. The MPO had to approve a new MTP or complete and update to the current document by December 8, 2010 (we have since done this!), to avoid conformity and planning lapse. Thus, we were given a corrective action for not having a fically constraint document.

Recommendations - Items that he review team feels will improve the process for the region and should be seriously considered for implementation in the near future:

(1) Staff was recommended to participate in upcoming workshops (Oct. 19-21) that the HUD/EPA/DOT Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program are hosting. Staff participated in the workshop.

(2) Increase the visibility of transit in the MTP and Transportation Improvement Program.

(3) The Congestion Mitigation Process be updated as soon as possible as the current version is almost 6 years old. The update should include non-motorized means as well as intelligent transportation system (ITS) strategies and should correlate with the Regional ITS Architecture.

(4) The MPO works with the two state DOTs to clarify requirements for the ADA Transition Plans and develop an enforcement plan within 18 months for all applicable recipients of federal-aid transportation funds.

(5) Assist the applicants in developing the quantified emission reductions so that all CMAQ applications can be ranked on an even basis.

(6) With the update of the Public Participation Plan market the many opportunities/locations available for input and consider the FHWA/FTA public listening session input on locations, transparency, use of the web and other relevant issues.

Commendations - Items worthy of recognition:

(1) The joint KIPDA/TARC vanpool program is an exemplary example in its geographic distribution and vibrancy. Team suggested KIPDA quantify the benefits of the program and share good practices.

(2) Commended for being in the MOVES pilot group for the nation and making efforts to share the information we have learned by documenting the process and making presentations.

(3) The volume of work by KIPDA/INDOT/KYTC is outstanding in the areas of ARRA, update of the MTP, financial management of expectations of the Ohio River Bridges, TARC participation in ARRA and organization of the regional planning conference.

To view the complete report (which is posted in three parts), go to http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/MPO/FederalCertificationReview2010.aspx

FEDERAL AGENCIES AGREE THAT KIPDA DOCUMENTS MEET CONFORMITY RULES, PLANS CAN MOVE FORWARD

2010-11-18T11:48:00.001-08:00

Officials from the Kentucky and Indiana division offices of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Region 4 Office of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Region 4 and 5 Offices of the Environmental Protection Agency have found that the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency’s (KIPDA) 2011-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Horizon 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) both meet the federal conformity guidelines.

The MTP provides a comprehensive vision for the transportation infrastructure over the upcoming 20 years for KIPDA’s five-counties and its policy committee. Transportation projects seeking federal funding must be included in the MTP.

The TIP is a short-range funding document for the five-county KIPDA area. Projects advance from the MTP to the TIP when they are ready for funding.

The updated documents, which were approved by the KIPDA Transportation Policy Committee on October 8, 2010, are the short-range and long-range transportation planning documents for Bullitt, Jefferson and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana. The policy committee is made up of elected and appointed officials from the five-counties.

The TIP is a four-year planning and funding document and the MTP is a 20-year planning document.

The federal agencies found that KIPDA’s documents met the five criteria of the Transportation Conformity Rule, which includes: use of the latest planning assumptions, use of the latest emission model, use of appropriate consultation procedures, consistency with the mobile source emission budgets in the State Implementation Plan (SIP), and provisions for the timely implementation of the transportation control measures in the SIP.

Both the MTP and the TIP went into a lapse in December of 2009, which essentially prevented projects from being added to or deleted from the documents. The current MTP was set to expire December 8, 2010, and this approval of both documents allows the expenditure of Federal transportation funding to continue in the region without interruption.

Holiday travelers warned to "Click It or Ticket"

2010-11-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is next week and its aniticipated that millions of Americans will be hitting the road to visit with family and friends. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is reminding travelers that state and local law enforcement will be out in force from Nov. 15 to Nov. 28, sending the strong message to Click It or Ticket.

“No one wants to start off the holidays with a ticket,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock. “Save your money for turkey and buying presents for loved ones – don’t throw it away simply because you failed to buckle up.”

While seat belt use is at a record high of 84 percent nationwide, Kentucky lags behind with an 80 percent usage rate. Statistics for 2009 indicate 398 (61.3 percent) of the 649 people who were killed in motor vehicles last year in Kentucky were not wearing a seat belt.

“Sadly, the holidays, which for many are the happiest time of the year, is also one of the deadliest and most tragic,” said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden. “Clearly this is an indication that people are just not aware of the huge risk taken by not buckling up.”

In Kentucky last year there were 1,120 crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in 330 injuries and seven fatalities. Of those fatalities, five were unrestrained.

Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

For more information about the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign for highway safety during Thanksgiving, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov and http://highwaysafety.ky.gov.

###

2010 Census Participation Numbers Available - Nationally 74% Participated

2010-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that 74 percent of households in the United States filled out and mailed back their 2010 Census questionnaire, matching the final mail participation rate achieved in the 2000 Census. Twenty-two states, 1,553 counties, and 278 cities and townships of 50,000 or more met or exceeded their 2000 Census participation rates. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico also exceeded their rates.

The final 74 percent mail participation rate includes an additional 2 percent of households that mailed back their forms after April 27, when the U.S. Census Bureau announced a 72 percent participation rate. While these forms were received too late to prevent a visit by a census taker, they were included in the final tally.

Approximately 47 million households that did not mail back a census form by the deadline were visited by census takers in person as part of a series of operations and methods to ensure as complete a count as possible. The Census Bureau either received a form or attempted repeated visits to 100 percent of the identified housing units in the country.

The final mail participation rates for the nation, states, counties, cities, towns and even the neighborhood level can now be found on the 2010 Census's Web site (http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/2010textview.php).

Here is a break down of counties in the KIPDA region:
Indiana State-wide Percentage—79%

By county:
Clark County—79%
Floyd County—80%

Kentucky State-wide Percentage—77%
By county:
Bullitt County—80%
Henry County—76%
Jefferson County—76%
Oldham County—82%
Shelby County—79%
Spencer County—81%
Trimble County—69%

TARC awarded $9 million in federal grants

2010-11-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River Cicty (TARC) will receive $9 million to buy eight hybrid buses, install an electronic fare collection system and make energy efficiency improvements at its historic Union Station headquarters in Louisville thanks to federal grants approved in October.

The grant is the most TARC has ever received in competitive grant funding in a single year and will create 96 full-time jobs for a year including up to 40 local jobs.

Louisville workers take more than 7.8 million trips on TARC each year to get to and from their jobs, based on a recent TARC survey of ridership. Students take more than two million trips a year on TARC to get to or from school.

“This is a huge win for TARC and all of Louisville,” Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson said.

TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker said TARC “is deeply appreciative of Congressman Yarmuth’s work on behalf of TARC and his support and Mayor Abramson’s support. TARC is well on its way to major service improvements in the next year with these grants and with other developments in the works. We are excited about the improvements and intend to see ridership increase,” Barker said.

In addition to the grants awarded this month, a new TARC radio communications system will be in operation next year and more bus service is scheduled to begin in February on two heavily traveled routes - #23 Broadway, which also includes Bardstown Road, and #18 Preston-18th which includes Dixie Highway. A previous $1 million grant provided funding for adding buses to the two routes so that arrivals will be every 12-15 minutes at stops during rush hours.

Grants approved this month are:

Electronic Fare Collection System: $2.5 million. Onboard fares can be paid with cash or a new option of using a card and paying electronically. The system, funded with a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) State of Good Repair grant, is expected to be operating by 2012.

Eight new hybrid buses: $3.9 million. TARC’s fleet of environmentally-friendly buses will increase to 29 with the arrival of eight new hybrid-electric buses funded through the FTA’s Clean Fuels Bus and Bus Facilities Program. The buses will replace diesel-fueled buses that are 12 years old and have traveled an average of 475,000 miles. Hybrid buses are more fuel efficient, easier to maintain and offer a smoother ride than older diesel-fueled buses. A hybrid bus saves on average 2,000 gallons of fuel a year compared to older buses. At current diesel prices the fuel savings would total $36,000 a year.

Window restoration/weatherization and geothermal heating and cooling system at Union Station, TARC’s headquarters: $2.6 million. The grant from the federal Department of Transportation’s TIGGER II program will create savings in operating costs and help preserve the 120-year old Union Station, one of Louisville’s historic architectural gems. Annual savings in energy use with the geothermal system and window restorations are estimated at $58,000 a year. All 278 windows at Union Station including 40 made of stained glass are to be restored.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is Underway

2010-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Gov. Steve Beshear signed a proclamation in honor of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is Oct. 17-24. In support of this effort, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with State Farm Insurance to bring awareness of safe driving practices to Kentucky’s teenagers.

“Young drivers are four times as likely as adults to be killed in a car crash,” said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden. “Driver distraction, lack of experience and skill, alcohol and the lack of seatbelt usage all contribute to the high number of fatalities for this age group.”

Last year in Kentucky, there were 28,207 total crashes involving drivers under 21 years of age. These crashes resulted in 9,348 injuries and 136 fatalities.

“Car crashes remain the number one killer of teens and October continues to be our single biggest battleground month,” said Lisa Ripley, spokeswoman for State Farm Insurance. “While promoting teen driver safety requires a year-round commitment, the fall time frame is critically important. As teens return to school, attend homecoming and begin managing very busy schedules, we want them to keep safe driving practices at the top of their minds because our data shows this is one of the most dangerous times of year for teens to be on the road.”

The KOHS is visiting 10 schools throughout the week with various programs, demonstrating the dangers of distracted driving and the benefits of seat belt use. Students will also participate in the KOHS Distracted Driving (D2) simulator, which gives lifelike exposure to the dangers of distracted driving without putting teenagers at risk by mimicking and displaying the handling characteristics of a vehicle. Drivers can receive and send phone calls and text messages while attempting to obey the rules of the road.

In 2009, teenage drivers accounted for 14,505 distracted driving related crashes, resulting in 4,531 injuries and 40 fatalities on Kentucky roadways.

Kentucky’s new texting law bans texting for all drivers while the vehicle is in motion. For drivers under 18, use of all personal communication devices such as cell phones and pagers is not allowed while the vehicle is in motion.

For more information about teen driving safety, please visit www.nhtsa.gov; www.distraction.gov; and http://highwaysafety.ky.gov.

TARC Outlines Arena Service Plan

2010-10-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

TARC recently announced that after ballgames and other big events at the KFC Yum! Center, they will keep buses off Main and Market streets near the arena to avoid heavy traffic. TARC passengers will be directed to boarding areas several blocks away and additional buses will be added to some routes.

TARC's arena service plan is designed to keep buses out of heavy traffic and to provide safe, reliable public transportation for all TARC riders. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead on big arena event days. Know your route and recommended post-event boarding location. Drivers will also pick up riders at designated stops along detour routes.

The plan takes effect for the first big arena event, The Eagles Concert, at 8 p.m. tomorrow. If you are riding TARC downtown or to the concert, the following detours will be in effect 60-90 minutes after the event.

Route #2 Second Street - Southbound

Boarding location - on 1st between Liberty and Muhammad Ali

Bus will follow the regular route northbound to Liberty, take a right on Liberty, right on 1st Street to the boarding location.

Routes #4 Fourth Street, #6 Sixth Street and #63 Crums Lane - Southbound

Boarding location - 6th at Cedar St.

Buses will follow the regular route northbound to Muhammad Ali, turn left on Muhammad Ali right on 7th Street, right on Liberty, right on 6th Street to the boarding location at 6th at Liberty.

Route #15 Market Street - Eastbound

Boarding Location - 1st and Liberty

Bus will follow the regular route eastbound to Roy Wilkins, turn left on Liberty Street to the 1st and Liberty boarding location. It will then turn left on Brook Street and right on Market Street to the regular route.

Route # 15 Market Street - Westbound

Boarding Location between 4th and 5th on Jefferson Street. No detour westbound.

Routes #17 Bardstown Road - Fern Creek and #55 Westport Road -Eastbound

Boarding location - 1st and Liberty

Route #18 Preston 18th - Eastbound Boarding location - 1st and Liberty

Bus will travel regular route east bound to Liberty, turn right on Liberty to boarding area at 1st and Liberty.

Route #18 Preston 18th - Westbound
Boarding area - between 4th and 5th on Jefferson

No detour westbound.

Routes #19 Muhammad Ali and #21 Chestnut Street - Eastbound
Boarding location - Between 2nd and 3rd Streets on Chestnut Street

No detour eastbound.

Routes #19 Muhammad Ali and #21 Chestnut Street - Westbound
Boarding locations between 2nd and 3rd on Muhammad Ali

No detour westbound.

Route #31 Middletown - Eastbound
Boarding location -1st and Liberty

Bus will follow regular route eastbound, to Liberty, turn right on Liberty to the boarding area at 1st and Liberty. Then turn left on Brook Street and right on Market to the regular route.

No detour westbound.

Route #43 Poplar Level - Eastbound
Boarding location - on 1st between Liberty and Muhammad Ali

Bus will follow regular route to Roy Wilkins, turn right on Roy Wilkins, left on Liberty Street, right on First to boarding area on First between Liberty and Muhammad Ali.

Route #43 Poplar Level - Westbound
Boarding location between 4th and 5th on W. Jefferson

No detour westbound.

Routes #71 Jeffersonville and #72 Clarksville New Albany - Northbound
Boarding area - 1st and Liberty

Buses will take the regular route on 5th Street, turn right on Liberty to boarding area at 1st and Liberty, turn right on to I-65 North and exit Court Avenue to the regular route.

TARC customer service representatives will be stationed at the KFC Yum! Center main entrance after the event. For additional information, call TARC Customer Service at 585-1234 or visit http://www.ridetarc.org/.

Planning and Design Services Holds Sustainable Communities Workshop

2010-10-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services is holding a Sustainable Communities Design Workshop October 19-21 at the Fern Creek Fire Station #2,9409 Bardstown Road.

The three-day interactive community workshop will explore the idea of sustainable communities and mixed use “centers.” The workshop provides an ideal setting to explore how the “centers” idea can work for Fern Creek, and in turn, how this area can serve as a model for other parts of Louisville and the region.

Activities for the workshop include formal presentations; group discussions (focusing on design, transportation, housing, neighborhoods, environment, open space, economic development, and land use); and open design studios.

The workshop is free and all sessions are open to the public.

For more information on the Sustainable Communities Design Workshop, please call Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services at 502-574-6230; or go to: www.louisvilleky.gov/PlanningDesign/Neighborhood+Plans/SGIA.htm

TARC Seeks Input On Proposed Route Changes

2010-10-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is looking for public feedback on proposed route changes, which will go into effect on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2011, to improve service and safety.

Members of the public interested in responding can send an email to info@ridetarc.org or call 561-5112. Those wishing to discuss the proposals and obtain additional iformation about how they will be affected, are invited to attend the public hearings listed below.

Wed., Oct. 20
11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Swiss Hall
719 Lynn Street

Thurs., Oct. 21
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Metro Development Center
444 South 5th Street

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
TARC
1000 West Broadway

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Language translators will also be provided upon request. Please call 561-5112 or 561-5115 with specific information on your special needs.

PROPOSED ROUTE ADJUSTMENTS FOR JANUARY 2011

Route #2 Second Street: A rerouting is being considered to serve a portion of S. Preston Street that would no longer be part of Route #18-Preston-18th under proposed changes. Route #2 would be rerouted south of Hill Street, to Preston Street, to Eastern Parkway, then to Crittenden Drive, connecting to the current Route #2. Bus frequency would be adjusted by a few minutes because of the slightly longer route.

Route #4 Fourth Street: Rerouting is proposed from 5th & Liberty Street to serve the Louisville Medical Center. The proposed route will travel east on Liberty Street, south on 1st Street, east on Chestnut Street, north on Jackson Street and west on Jefferson Street. Route #4 would no longer serve stops on 5th at Market, on 4th at Main, or on 6th at Market.

Route #6 Sixth Street: To address overcrowding, a weekday trip, which currently originates at the Iroquois Park Loop at 1:51 p.m., will instead originate at New Cut Market Center on Outer Loop at 1:39 p.m.

Route #18 Preston-18th: A rerouting is proposed between Hill Street and Eastern Parkway. The proposed route will travel on Preston Street, Burnett Avenue, 1st Street and Brook Street, Cardinal Boulevard, Floyd Street, Warnock Street, Crittenden Drive and Eastern Parkway to provide service between the Medical Center and U of L Belknap Campus. Route #18 will no longer serve Shelby Street, Lynn Street and Preston Street north of Eastern Parkway.

Routes #19 Muhammad Ali and #21 Chestnut Street: The westbound stop on Muhammad Ali Boulevard at 4th Street will be removed due to heavy traffic congestion and a larger stop will be established between 5th Street and Armory Place. The eastbound stop on Chestnut at 4th Street will be removed permanently, since it is close to adjoining stops at 5th and 3rd. Trips to Wenzel Avenue will turn two blocks farther east at Liberty and Chestnut Streets. There will be slight adjustments on arrival and departure times.

Route #27 Hill Street: Route #27 will no longer serve Burnett Avenue south of Texas Avenue, Eastern Parkway, Poplar Level Road, Audubon Medical Center or Illinois Avenue. These areas will continue to be served by Routes #29-Eastern Parkway or #43-Poplar Level. Frequency of buses will improve on the remaining route. Also, due to construction at the current Portland bus loop, the bus turn around is proposed to be moved to 35th Street and Bank Street adjacent to the Kroger store.

Route #43 Poplar Level: One trip northbound from Poplar Level Road at Fern Valley Pass will be added to help with overcrowding. Due to construction at the Portland loop, this bus is proposed to turn around at 35th and Bank Streets, providing access to an adjacent Kroger store.

Route #52 Medical Center Circulator: The westbound stop on Muhammad Ali Boulevard at 4th Street will be removed due to heavy traffic congestion and a larger stopping area will be established between 5th Street and Armory Place. There are no time changes proposed for this route.

Route #72 Clarksville/New Albany: Schedule times will be adjusted and all midday trips will serve New Albany.

INCREASED SERVICE ON TWO MAJOR ROUTES
Route #18 Preston - 18th
Route #23 Broadway and Bardstown Road
Pending receipt of federal grant funds, TARC will improve service beginning in January with additional buses on these routes. Weekday buses will arrive more frequently at all stops during peak and off-peak hours. Weekend service will also be increased.

Come see KIPDA at the One Southern Indiana Expo

2010-09-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

KIPDA staff will be at the One Southern Indiana business expo from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today at Kye's in Jeffersonville.

KIPDA is one of about 120 booths at the expo and will be answering questions and speaking to residents about projects. The KIPDA booth is located in Kye's II and admission to the expo is free.

Hope to see you there!

Ramp closures announced by KYTC

2010-08-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 5 Office announced lane and ramp closures on Interstate 264 as part of the ramp replacement project on the Senator Powers Expressway. Lane and ramp closures are scheduled for pavement striping and marker installation on the following dates:

•Exit ramp from westbound Interstate 264 to westbound Interstate 64 (mile point 0.0) from 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 23rd until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24th
•Left lane of westbound Interstate 64 at Interstate 264 (mile point 0.8) from 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24th until 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25th
•Right lane of westbound Interstate 64 at Interstate 264 (mile point 0.8) from 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25th until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 26th
•Exit ramp from westbound Interstate 264 to westbound Interstate 64 (mile point 0.0) from 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26th until 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 27th

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program Update and Public Review Underway

2010-08-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Louisville (KY-IN) Metropolitan Planning Organization (a function of the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency, known as KIPDA) is updating the metropolitan area's Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program for the five counties (Clark and Floyd counties, Indiana; and Bullitt, Jefferson, and Oldham counties, Kentucky).

The documents can be found at http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Drafts.aspx.

We need your input to help guide the decision making process of the Transportation Policy Committee, the decision-making body of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Transportation Policy Committee consists of 18 members, which includes local elected officials and transportation agencies in the metropolitan transportation planning area.

Please review the final drafts of Horizon 2030: The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Louisville (KY-IN) Metropolitan Planning Area and the FY 2011 - FY 2015 Transportation Improvement Program, and let us know what you think. By the way, these drafts are available in hard copy at all of the local, public libraries in the five-county Metropolitan Planning Area.

After reviewing both or either of the documents, please send us your input either by email (kipda.trans@ky.gov), mail to KIPDA, Attn: MTP/TIP Update, 11520 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, or fax it to us at 502-266-5047, Attn: MTP/TIP Update.

You may also stop in at any of the scheduled public open house meetings to ask questions and submit comments. The meetings are as scheduled:

Thursday, Augut 12, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
180 W. Spring Street
New Albany, Indiana

Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
John Black Community Center
1551 N. Highway 393
Buckner, Kentucky

Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
NIA Center
2900 W. Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky

Monday, August 23, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Southwest Government Center
7210 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky

Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Louisville Free Public Library Fairdale Branch
10616 W. Manslick Road
Louisville, Kentucky

Thursday, August 26, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Republic Bank Community Room
9600 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Kentucky

Monday, August 30, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Town of Clarksville Municipal Center Council Chambers
2000 Broadway Street
Clarksville, Indiana

Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Paroquet Springs Conference Center, Adam Shepherd Room
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, Kentucky

You may also attend the Transportation Technical Coordinating Committee meeting and/or the Transportation Policy Committee meeting. Both have specific agenda items where members of the public are welcomed to speak and address the committees. Information on those meetings is available through the KIPDA News page under the "Meeting Notices" section.

In addition, staff will be available at the Louisville Metro Mayor's Community Conversation on August 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Central High School, 1130 West Chestnut Street.

Should you have any questions, please call or email Josh Suiter at josh.suiter@ky.gov, or 502-266-6084.

What do you think about transportation planning in the region?

2010-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public input during the federal review of the metropolitan transportation planning process for the Louisville Metropolitan Planning Area that takes place once every four years.

A public meeting will be held on August 10, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the South Louisville Community Center, 2911 Taylor Blvd., in Louisville. This meeting will be the public’s opportunity to talk directly with Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration officials about the Louisville area transportation planning process.

The results of the FHWA/FTA 2006 transportation planning review can be found at http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/MPO/FederalCertificationReview2010.aspx and are also available by calling Josh Suiter at (502) 266-6084. Written comments may also be submitted until August 25 to:

Greg Rawlings
FHWA
330 West Broadway
Frankfort, KY 40601
or by e-mail to Gregory.Rawlings@fhwa.dot.gov.

For those needing special accommodation, please contact Josh Suiter at 502-266-6084 at least three days prior to the meeting.

Ticket to Ride is now on Twitter

2010-07-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ticket to Ride has recently begun using Twitter.

To find Ticket to Ride on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/KIPDATTR.

Use the Twitter updates from Ticket to Ride to learn more about their van pool, bike pool, car pool and school pool programs. Ticket to Ride's website can be found at www.tickettoride.org.

Kentucky texting law goes into effect today

2010-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Attention all of you who enjoying text messaging!

Starting today, it's against the law in Kentucky, to text while driving. However, only warnings will be issued until next Jan. 1 and then fines will be given.

In addition, the law new states that drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

After the initial warning period ends Jan. 1, fines of $25 for the first texting offense and $50 for subsequent offenses will be given. Plus, teen violators who are driving on instructional permits or intermediate licenses would to wait 180 days before they could graduate to the next licensing level.

Kentucky is one of 10 states that have banned sending text messages while driving thsi year and thirty states now bans and roughly that many also prohibit motorists under age 18 from using cell phones while driving. Indiana bans drivers younger than 18 from texting and using cell phones.

TARC TO UNVEIL NINE HYBRID BUSES WITH NEW BUTTERFLY DESIGN

2010-07-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Mayor Jerry Abramson, along with U.S. Representative John Yarmuth, Kentucky Transportation Service Delivery Director Vickie Bourne and TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker will unveil the 9 new hybrid buses on Friday, July 9, at 11 a.m. the pavillian in Shawnee Park.

TARC’s fleet of environmentally-friendly buses will increase to 21 with the arrival of nine new Gillig hybrid-electric buses. Seven of them were funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and two from a variety of federal and state sources. The hybrids are silver with a new butterfly design that complements the silver bus design that was introduced last year.

The buses cost $558,000 apiece and are better for the environment, more fuel efficient, easier to maintain and smoother to ride than TARC older diesel-fueled buses.

The hybrid-electric technology uses electric power in combination with a diesel-powered engine. It brings many benefits, as follows:

Improving air quality

Emissions Reduced:
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) – 61% less
Particulate Matter (PM) – 93% less
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – 90% less
Hydrocarbons (HC) – 21% less

Reducing energy consumption
Better fuel economy with an annual savings of 3,000 gallons per bus

High Mechanical performance
Fewer brake repairs necessary
Sixteen times fewer transmission fluid changes required
No major mechanical errors

“Not only will these hybrid buses help Louisvillians breathe easier by reducing pollution, but they’ll help save money,” said Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3). “With lower maintenance costs and lower fuel consumption that will save 3,000 gallons per year, per bus, TARC will have more resources to create jobs and grow their services.”

The TARC hybrids are manufactured by Gillig Corp. in Hayward, California. The propulsion system is manufactured by Allison Transmission GM, of Indianapolis.

The buses are 40 feet long and have low-floor access. The hybrid's diesel engine is smaller. A regular diesel bus emits the most pollution when it accelerates from a stop or goes up hill. The hybrid bus uses electric power from its batteries to accelerate, drastically reducing emissions and eliminating tailpipe smoke in these situations. With less demand on the diesel engine, the hybrid buses are much quieter. This innovative bus also accelerates and goes up hills without revving the engine.
Hybrid buses also cost less to maintain, due to brakes that last twice as long, thanks to regenerative braking and no transmission to maintain.

NEW OXMOOR-BASHFORD MANOR SHUTTLE IS NOW RUNNING

2010-06-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

A new shopper shuttle to replace Route #58 was debuted June 22, departing from the Bashford Lane Walmart at 9:10 a.m. It will have three morning and three afternoon runs on Tuesdays only.

The Route #58S Bashford-Oxmoor Shopper replaces the local Route #58, which was discontinued as of June 6, due to TARC’s budget shortfall. It is designed to provide access to shopping, doctors’ offices and the hospitals on Dutchmans Lane for seniors and people without alternate transportation. It includes stops at Bashford Manor Target, Shalom Tower, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Hospital East, Norton Suburban, Baptist Hospital East, Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center.

The shopper shuttle fare is $.50 with a half-fare discount for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Many seniors and internationals live in the Hikes Lane area and used Route #58 to meet their basic needs. We heard from people that keeping the route on a limited basis would provide them at least a lifeline to needed services, so that’s what we are responding to with this new shopper shuttle,” said TARC Executive Director Barry Barker.

A copy of the new schedule is available on the TARC website. It also lists information about TARC’s two other shopper shuttles in Old Louisville and Southern Indiana. You can also get schedule information by calling TARC’s Customer Service Department at 585-1234.

Visit KIPDA's Table at Americana Festival

2010-06-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

KIPDA staff will be available to speak to residents from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. this Saturday at the Americana Community Center's Annual Festival. The festival will be held outside on the center's parking lot, 4801 Southside Drive in Louisville.

Stop by our table and express your views on Louisville's transportation planning and get safety information as well as our newsletter, citizen's guide and many other items.

Hope to see you there.

Hike & Bike event is Memorial Day, TARC announces route detours

2010-05-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

The 6th Louisville Metro Hike & Bike program will hold the first of its two annual outings on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The event starts at Waterfront Park.

The Healthy Hometown Subway Fresh Fit Hike & Bike ride will begin at 10 a.m. at the downtown waterfront near the “dancing waters” off Witherspoon Street. More than 5,000people typically take part in the Hike & Bike events.

The 15-mile cycling route will highlight several Louisville parks and landmarks and goes through Old Louisville and along Southern Parkway to Iroquois Park, then back to Waterfront Park.

For walkers, a wheelchair-accessible five-kilometer route has been laid out. It will also start at Waterfront Park and go west along the wharf area and onto the RiverWalk section of the Louisville Loop, up to Lannan Park and back to Waterfront Park. Those seeking a shorter hike can turn around at points along the route, including at the Louisville Science Center. Walkers can bring dogs but must keep them on a leash.

The cycling route will have signs and break stations staffed by volunteers to assist with directions and water. Louisville Bicycle Club members will provide bike “doctors” along the route to assist cyclists with equipment problems.

Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections. The Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route.

In addition, there will be a healthy marketplace with nutritional snacks, free children’s activities and informational booths will open at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park. Free T-shirts will be available for the first 2,500 participants and the Brain Injury Association will distribute 250 bike helmets to riders who don’t have one.

A “bike rodeo” with safety education activities for youths will be offered by Norton Healthcare behind the Flock of Finns sculpture at Preston and Witherspoon streets. and people will be able to sign up for the “Lose It Louisville!” initiative — a communitywide effort for registrants to lose a collective 100,000 pounds by the Labor Day Hike & Bike event.

On-street parking will be available near Waterfront Park. TARC buses are equipped with bicycle racks for cyclists who want to leave their car at home.

TARC also announced some detours due to the Mayor’s Hike and Bike. Street closures will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and due to those closures the following detours will be in affect.

•#4 Fourth Street - southbound - buses from Central Avenue to Iroquois Park will continue on 4th Street, turn left on Oakdale to the regular route. The Southland Park route will turn left on 5th Street, left on Lansing, cross Southern Parkway, turn right on 3rd Street Road, left on Woodlawn to the regular route.

•Route #4 Fourth Street - northbound – buses from Iroquois Park on 3rd Street will turn right on Oakdale, right on 4th Street to the regular route. From Southland Park, buses will turn right on 3rd Street, left on Lansing, right on 5th Street, right on 4th Street to regular route.

•Route 6th Street - southbound – buses from Taylor Boulevard will turn right on Bluegrass Avenue, left on Manslick/St. Andrews Road, left on Palatka Road, right on Newcut Road to the regular route.

•Route 6th Street - northbound – buses from Newcut Road, left on Palatka Road, right on St. Andrews/Manslick Road, right on Bluegrass Avenue, left on Taylor Boulevard to regular route.

•Route #19 Muhammad Ali and #21 Chestnut – westbound – buses from Muhammad Ali, will turn left on 1st Street, right on Broadway, right on 4th Street, left on Ali to regular route.

•Routes #2 Second Street, #71 Jeffersonville, and #72 Clarksville/New Albany - southbound – buses from 1st and Market will continue on Market, turn right on Floyd Street, right on Grey Street, left on 1st Street to the regular route.

To check specific detours on your route, call TARC at 585-1234.

Downtown Businesses Provided Support For Fare Free Trolleys

2010-05-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

The trolleys that run on Fourth Street and on Main and Market Streets will be FARE FREE and more frequent beginning Monday, June 7.

“The downtown trolleys have become an institution in downtown Louisville, much loved by tourists and residents alike,” said TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker. “We know they attract many more riders when they are free, so we are delighted that downtown interests have made it possible to offer this fare free and frequent service.”

The Fourth Street Trolley, originally slated for elimination this summer due to TARC’s budget shortfall, was saved thanks to contributions from downtown businesses and organizations. Funding to run the trolleys fare-free and more frequently until Aug. 15 is provided by:

The Downtown Development Corp.
The Kentucky International Convention Center
The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Louisville Downtown Management District
Humana, Inc.

“This is an important announcement not only because the trolleys are fare free again, just as they were originally conceived to be, but because downtown business interests are stepping up to the plate to keep this vital amenity in place. My hat is off to those business interests that are participating in this effort,” said Mayor Jerry Abramson.

Both the Fourth Street and the Main-Market trolleys will run more frequently between 11 and 6 p.m. The Fourth Street Trolley will run every 7 minutes during that period and the Main-Market Trolley will run every 10 minutes. This is designed to provide the lunch crowd and after-work shoppers who work downtown the opportunity to try new downtown venues by hopping on a trolley. It’s also the period when most tourists are exploring downtown.

Saturday service on both trolley routes will continue from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. The Fourth Street Trolleys runs every 20 minutes and the Main-Market Street trolleys run every 15 minutes on Saturday.

The Fourth Avenue trolley, then dubbed the Toonerville Trolley, began running fare free on Fourth Street in 1987. In 1996, the Main-Market Street Trolley was added. Both ran fare-free until 2004 when a 25-cent fare was added. Ridership took a dip and then dropped again three years later when the fare was increased to 50-cents.

During the summer, a committee of business interests will be looking a long-term funding to keep the trolleys running fare free permanently.

Click It or Ticket It program Campaign giving Kentucky Speedway tickets

2010-05-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Kentucky still has some residents who aren't wearing their seat belts. Despite a wealth of data showing that seat belts save lives and also despite implementation of a primary seat belt law, Kentucky’s 80 percent seat belt usage rate lags behind the national rate of 84 percent.

The annual Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, which began Monday and runs through June 6, will attempt to bring awareness to this issue as officers buckle down on those not buckled up.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Office of Highway Safety officials, along with the Kentucky State Police, launched the campaign. “Kentucky undoubtedly experiences far too many fatalities that could have been avoided with the simple use of a seat belt,” said Acting Secretary of Transportation Mike Hancock. “Clearly this is an indication that people are just not aware of the huge risk taken by not buckling up.”

Overall, fatality numbers steadily decreasing each year. However, statistics for 2009indicate 398 (61.3 percent) of the 649 people who were killed in motor vehicles last year were not wearing a seat belt.

Traffic safety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted by state and local law enforcement during the two-week Click It or Ticket mobilization, looking for any traffic violation with an emphasis on seat belt usage. Those not buckled up or who are in violation of other laws will receive a citation. But those who are buckled will receive a different kind of ticket – a “Click It FOR Tickets” voucher that allows them to register to win a pair of tickets to the Kentucky Speedway.

Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Chuck Geveden says the office awarded more than $240,000 in federal funds to 59 state and local police agencies across the Commonwealth to help bolster seat belt enforcement during the campaign. The funding is provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Although enforcement officers will be prevalent during the campaign, Geveden emphasized, “The Click It or Ticket campaign is not about writing tickets. It’s about awareness and saving lives. If one life is saved through this effort, it will be worth it.”

According to the NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.

KYTC Seeks Comment on Disadvantage Business Enterprise

2010-05-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is seeking public input on proposed goals for increasing Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) involvement in highway projects.

The KYTC Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development, which oversees the cabinet’s DBE program, is proposing an annual, overall DBE participation goal of 7.76 percent for federal fiscal year 2011, up from the current goal of 7.0. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, the new goal would be in effect for three years.

The 2011 goals and methodology will be available online at http://transportation.ky.gov/OBOD from May 26 until June 25, 2010. Written comments will be accepted for 15 days afterward –until July 10, 2010 – and can also be submitted online through the website. In addition, written comments on the 2010 participation goal also are being accepted through July 10 and may be submitted to:

Melvin Bynes
Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, Ky. 40622
Information also is available by calling 1-800-928-3079 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

In addition, the Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development will host forums during May in each of the cabinet’s 12 highway districts to explain the proposed goals and how they were established.

“The forums give the public an opportunity to participate in a dialogue about how we ensure disadvantaged businesses are represented fairly when cabinet projects are awarded,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “Decisions regarding our disadvantaged business program have a broad effect, and our staff attempts to clarify everything about the process through public meetings and these proposed goals.”

The Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, a diverse workforce and the promotion of equitable business opportunities throughout Kentucky.

Public forum schedule; all times local:

May 17
District 9, Flemingsburg, 5-7 p.m., Stockton Station Inn, 129 West Water Street.
District 10, Jackson, noon-1p.m., Jackson Inn, 19 Brewers Drive.
District 5, Louisville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 447 Farmington Ave.

May 19
District 8, Somerset, 5-7 p.m., Hampton Inn, 4141 US 27.
District 11, Manchester, noon-1:30 p.m., London Hampton Inn, 200 Alamo Drive, London.

May 20
District 6, Covington, 5-7 p.m., Cincinnati Marriott at River Center,
10 West River Center Boulevard, Cincinnati.
District 7, Lexington, from noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1950 Newtown Pike.
District 12, Pikeville, 1-2 p.m., Hampton Inn, 831 Hambley Boulevard.

May 21
District 4, Elizabethtown, noon-1:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 107 Buffalo Creek Drive.

May 24
District 2, Hopkinsville, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 12759 Fort Campbell Boulevard.

May 25
District 1, Paducah, noon-1:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 3835 Technology Drive.
District 3, Bowling Green, 5-7 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1021 Wilkinson Trace.

Summer Youth Bus Passes go on sale May 21

2010-05-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you've got a child or a teen that needs to get to their summer job, the mall or a movie, TARC is hoping to make it easier for you!

TARC is offering their Summer Youth Bus Pass for $30. The pass is valid for unlimited rides on all TARC routes seven days a week beginning May 21 and continuing through Aug. 31. The pass can be used by children ages 6 to 17 within TARC’s five county-service area including Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana.

TARC’s Summer Youth Pass will be on sale at the following locations:

Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
All Fifth Third Banks
Louisville Free Public Library, 3rd & York

Passes will also be sold online beginning Monday, May 17 at www.ridetarc.org. To order by mail, send a check or money order for $30, with your name, address and phone number, to SUMMER YOUTH PASS; c/o TARC cashier; 1000 W. Broadway; Louisville, KY 40203.

Public Meeting to discuss outline route alternatives for Louisville Loop’s Northeast Route

2010-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Metro Parks will present the master plan for routing the Louisville Loop through the city’s northeastern neighborhoods during a community meeting on Tuesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Historic Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane.

The final plan identifies several alternative routes for the Louisville Loop, as it travels from Miles Park on Shelbyville Road to River Road. The Louisville Loop is a paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians that will encircle Louisville for a distance of approximately 100 miles. Some segments of the Louisville Loop will also include soft-surface paths for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Before the plan becomes final, citizens will have an opportunity to offer comments about the plan, either during the meeting or via e-mail at parks@louisvilleky.gov. The plan will be posted online at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/cityofparks/projects/northeastloop.htm.

Lanes closures on KY 841/KY 1934

2010-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office annnounced that their will be lane closures on KY 841/KY 1934 (Gene Snyder Freeway) due to pavement joint replacement. The eastbound lanes will be reduced to one lane between Lower River Road and the Greyling Drive overpass (mile points 0 to 4.3)

Lane closures are possible weeknights Monday–Friday from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. Work, which began yesterday, will continue through the end of June.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Local streets to be closed, TARC route information for Kentucky Oaks and Derby

2010-04-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Department of Highways has announced the following lane and ramp closures in conjunction with the Kentucky Oaks and Derby:

Friday, April 30, 2010 and Saturday, May 1, 2010

•Right lane of northbound I-65 between Bradley Avenue and Warnock Avenue (mile point 132 – 133) from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from southbound I-65 to Arthur Street (Exit 134) will be closed due to the closure of the Eastern Parkway bridge over the railroad. All northbound traffic on 3rd and 4th Streets will be detoured to Cardinal Boulevard and then connected with Arthur Street.
•Right lane of eastbound and westbound I-264 between Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway (mile point 9.1 to 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Southern Parkway (mile point 10.0) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
•Exit ramp from eastbound and westbound I-264 to Taylor Boulevard (mile point 9.1) from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In addition, TARC will provide service to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby on four routes that normally travel within walking distance of Churchill Downs and tomorrow night, Derby Eve, all service will be free after 6 p.m.

The free bus and trolley rides on TARC provided by Miller Lite Free Rides™. The Free Rides program is designed to reduce drunk driving during major community events by providing a safe transportation alternative. Free rides on TARC will be available on all TARC routes from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Derby Eve. Extra trolleys will run along Main and Market Streets until midnight to provide better access to downtown establishments and the Miller Lite-sponsored Derby Eve Jam on the waterfront.

On Oaks and Derby Day, service will be available at the regularly scheduled times on all routes for the usual fare of $1.50. The following routes travel near Churchill Downs:

•Route #2 serves downtown, University of Louisville and Louisville International Airport.
•Route #4 serves downtown, Old Louisville, the South End and Iroquois Park area.
•Route #6 serves downtown, Shively, Iroquois Park and Fairdale areas.
•Route #29 serves St. Matthews, Highlands, University of Louisville, and Shively.

TARC will follow designated detours away from track starting at about 4:30 p.m. on Oaks and Derby Day. After the races, buses will pick people up at a different stop than where they were dropped off. Non-Derby TARC riders will also be affected by the detours.

TARC will not provide shuttles from downtown, Papa John’s Stadium or the Fairgrounds this year, due to a change in federal regulations regarding private charter service.

For information about the schedule and fares for using TARC service to Derby and Oaks, call TARC’s Customer Service Department at 502-585-1234, TTY 502-213-3240, or visit TARC’s website at www.ridetarc.org. For information on the Miller Lite Free Rides program, please visit www.MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

Westport Road/I-264 Interchange Ribbon Cutting Held

2010-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Elected and other government officials as well as residents gathered this morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a long-standing project.

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Kentuckly Transportation Cabinet District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock and Govenor Steve Beshear's Chief of Staff Adam Edelen each spoke during the ribbon cutting for the interchange ramps I-264 at Wesport Road.

The $47 million project also includes widening of Westport Road between I-264 and Hubbards Lane. The project has been in the works for 25 years. As the ribbon cutting was being held, crews were still putting the finishing touches on the project.

The ramp from Westport Road to the Watterson headed toward Shelbyville Road opened Thursday morning and two more are scheduled to open by the end of the day. The remaining ramp, from southbound I-264 to Westport Road, will open on Friday. The widening of Westport Road from the interchange to Hubbards Lane will be completed in 6-8 weeks. The delay in opening the ramps all at once was due to the considerable rain we've recently received.

TARC Board approves 4 route cuts and an additional $1 fare for express routes

2010-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

The TARC Board of Directors took action yesterday to help TARC make up a projected $5.5 million shortfall by reducing service and adding $1 to the $1.50 fare for express routes only. The route changes and service reductions will go into effect Sunday, June 6. The fare increase will be effective July 1.

The slate of schedule reductions will save TARC an estimated $3.5 million and the fare increase is expected to generate enough revenue to keep all express routes operating. In March, 12 of 16 express routes had been proposed for elimination. Many express riders who attended the public hearings March 9 through 11 said they would pay more to keep the express service.

The other changes approved by the board include the elimination of four local routes and service reductions on 20. Another eight routes will have some route adjustments.

Besides continuing the express routes, the board also voted to preserve Route #12 – Twelfth Street and Route #22- Twenty-second Street. The #58 – Bashford Manor –Oxmoor will be eliminated but a one-day shopper shuttle to Bashford Manor and Oxmoor Mall will take its place so that seniors in the area will have access to shopping.

The elimination of the Fourth Street Trolley and service reductions on the Main-Market Trolley are on hold while a proposal for outside funding is developed.

The board voted to eliminate the following four routes:
#80 Hurstbourne Parkway
#59 River Road
#35 Indian Trail
#58 Bashford Manor/Oxmoor.

The following 20 routes will see service reductions effective June 6:

#2 Second Street
#4 Fourth Street
#6 Sixth Street
#17 Bardstown Road
#19 Muhammad Ali
#21 Chestnut Street
#25 Oak Street
#27 Hill Street
#29 Eastern Parkway
#31 Middletown
#37X Iroquois Park Express
#45X Okolona Express
#49X Westport Express
#50X Dixie Express
#52 Medical Center Circulator
#54X Manslick Express
#66X Mt. Washington-Shepherdsville Express
#67X Oldham 1-71 Express
#72 Clarksville-New Albany.
#75 Bluegrass Industrial Shuttle

Additionally these routes will have routing changes:
#6 Sixth Street, #17 Bardstown Road, #18 Preston-18th Street; #21 Chestnut Street, #23 Broadway, #62 Breckenridge-Shepherdsville, #75 Bluegrass Industrial Shuttle and #78X Bluegrass Express. One of those changes is to ensure that Shalom Towers on Dutchmans Lane will continue to have service. It will continue be served by the #23 Broadway route instead of the #58 Bashford Manor/Oxmoor.

At the Feb. 22 board meeting, 12 express routes were proposed for elimination. These routes will continue to run, funded by the $1 additional fare to be paid by express route riders.

Riders who are paying $1.50 cash, transferring or using one-ride tickets will be required to pay the additional $1 fare. A monthly express pass will be available for $80.

All express route riders will be subject to the additional fare. These are the 12 routes that had been slated for elimination:

#37X – Iroquois-Fairdale Express
#38X – Deering Express
#45X – Okolona Express
#49X – Westport Road Express
#50X – Dixie Express
#53X – Breckenridge Express
#54X – Manslick Express
#61X – Plainview Express
#64X – Fincastle-Forest Springs Express
#66X – Mount Washington Express
#68X – Prospect Express
#73X – Charlestown Road Express

It has not yet been determined if riders who use a pre-paid employer ID will have to pay the $1. Discussions with those employers are underway.

Look for new schedules printed on yellow paper on the buses and in schedule racks throughout the area. For additional information call 585-1234, TTY 213-3240. Schedules and maps can be viewed and downloaded from the TARC web site at www.ridetarc.org.

Planning to go to Derby?

2010-04-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to go to the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks, TARC will provide service to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby on four routes that normally travel within walking distance of Churchill Downs.

Service will be available at the regularly scheduled times on all routes for the usual fare of $1.50. The following routes travel near Churchill Downs:

• Rt. #2 serves downtown, UofL and Louisville International Airport.
• Rt. #4 serves downtown, Old Louisville, the South End and Iroquois Park area.
• Rt. #6 serves downtown, Shively, Iroquois Park and Fairdale areas.
• Rt. #29 serves St. Matthews, Highlands, UofL and Shively.

TARC will follow designated detours away from track starting at about 4:30 p.m. on Oaks and Derby Day. After the races, buses will pick people up at a different stop than where they were dropped off.

In addition, as part of Derby Eve festivities, there will be free bus and trolley rides on TARC provided by Miller Lite Free Rides™.

The Free Rides program is designed to reduce drunk driving during major community events by providing a safe transportation alternative. Free rides on TARC will be available on all TARC routes and trolleys from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Derby Eve. Extra trolleys will run along Main and Market Streets until midnight to provide better access to downtown establishments and the Miller Lite-sponsored Derby Eve Jam on the waterfront.

Public meeting to discuss Seneca Park Multi-Use Path

2010-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

A public meeting to discuss the plans for the multi-use path in Seneca Park will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave.

Dirk Gowin, of Louisville Metro Government Public Works who coordinates bike projects, will discuss the path and answer questions. Part of the project has already been completed.

For more information, call Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh's office at (502) 574-1109 or email kyle.etheridge@louisvilleky.gov.

Louisville named one of America's Top 50 Bike Friendly Cities

2010-04-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Bicycling Magazine has named Louisville in its Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities listing.

The magazine ranked the cities in order and Louisville was ranked 21st. In order to be considered for the list, the magazine said cities should have segregated bike lanes, municipal bike racks and bike boulevards, to name a few. "If you have those things in your town, cyclists probably have the ear of the local government—another key factor. To make our Top 50, a city must also support a vibrant and diverse bike culture, and it must have smart, savvy bike shops," the magazine says on their website.

With regard to Louisville, the magazine says "Prior to 2005, Louisville was not a bike-friendly place. Thanks to mayor Jerry Abramson, cycling is thriving. Construction of the 100-mile Louisville Loop is underway; it's about 25 percent complete."

A complete list of the top 50 is available at http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-583-21901-1,00.html. To read more about these cities and why they were chosen go to: http://www.bicycling.com/topbikefriendlycities/

Public meeting to be held about transit hub

2010-04-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

The public in invited to a meeting on April 12 to discuss the possible locations planned for a downtown transportation hub and on what facilities it should have and what services it should offer.

The meeting will be at 5 p.m. at the Transit Authority of River City’s Union Station headquarters at Broadway and 10th Street. The meeting will be conducted by JRA Architects, a consulting firm that the city is paying to design and develop a plan for the transportation facility.

The project will be funded primarily with federal money. Louisville Metro has already received $130,000 federal grant to hire the consultant and an additional $1.3 million from the U.S. Transportation Department for development of the project.

The hub provide bicyclists a place to park their bicycles as well as a place to get bus tickets and would be a stopping point for buses and taxis.

The building is proposed to include showers and lockers for cyclists and storage facilities for bikes.

The city has suggested four possible locations for the hub, but the final location could be elsewhere. Here are the four proposed locations:

The ground floor of the municipal garage near Sixth and Market streets
The surface lot behind City Hall at Sixth Street and Congress Alley
Founders Square near Louisville Gardens
Plaza near Fourth and Jefferson streets.

We want our input on public outreach!

2010-04-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

We want to hear from you!

We are seeking your input on our public involvement process and the ways that you're provided information to get you involved.

A Public Participation Survey will be online through April 30. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/kipdappsurvey.

The survey will help us analyze our current outreach practices and also develop new ways to get you involved in the planning process.

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Josh Suiter at (502) 266-6084 or email kipda.trans@ky.gov.

TARC hearings focus on express route fare increases

2010-04-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is seeking public input on a proposal to raise the fare on TARC’s 16 express routes from $1.50 to $2.50.

The $1 surcharge on express service was suggested by riders at public meetings in early March as a way to save the 13 express routes that were slated for elimination. The fare increase will allow TARC to keep its popular express service and help make up a projected $5.5 million shortfall. It is expected that the express routes will also see some reductions in the number of runs.

TARC has scheduled public meetings for April 12-15 (see schedule below). Those wishing to comment can also email comments to info@ridetarc.org or call 561-5112.

Express routes are those that generally travel a longer distance, have fewer stops and run only in the morning and afternoon commute periods. The affected routes go to Oldham, Bullitt, southern Indiana and the suburban areas of Jefferson County. A list of all routes is available on the TARC website at www.ridetarc.org.

Because of reduced revenues from the local occupational tax, TARC is proceeding with other cuts, including the elimination of four routes and cutbacks on 16 others. Those changes, which were the subject of public hearings March 9-11, are expected to save about $2.5 million annually and will take effect on June 6.

The public hearings on the express fare increase are as follows:

Monday, April 12
11 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Metro Government Development Center, 444 S. 5th Street
6-8 p.m. at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway

Tuesday, April 13
6-8 p.m. at the Jeffersonville (Ind.) Library, 211 East Court Ave.

Wednesday, April 14
6-8 p.m. at the East End Government Center, 200 Juneau Drive

Thursday, April 15
6-8 p.m. at the Oldham County Community Convention Center, 1551 N Hwy 393 in Buckner.

For more information, call 585-1234.

APCD to hold "Clearing the Air" Seminar Series

2010-03-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is holding a "Clearing the Air" Seminar Series over the next few months.

Morning seminars will be held from 9-9:30 a.m. and evening seminars will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. with question and answer sessions to follow. All seminars will be at the APCD offices' board room, 850 Barrett Ave., in Louisville. All seminars are free.

Here are the topics and dates:

March 30:

Morning Seminar: Air Quality 101 with APCD Executive Director Lauren Anderson.
Evening Seminar: Air Quality 101 with APCD Executive Director Lauren Anderson.

May 25:

Morning Seminar: Managing Buildings and Grounds for Air Quality with a special guest from the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center
Evening Seminar: Lawn Care for Cleaner Air

June 29:

Morning Seminar: Idle Reduction Tool Kit: Turn the Key for Cleaner Fleets.
Evening Seminar: You and Your Car: The Key to Cleaner Air and Greater Fuel Efficiency.

August 31:

Morning Seminar: It All Adds Up: A Guide to Air Monitoring.
Evening Seminar: It All Adds Up: A Guidet to Air Monitoring.

September 28:

Morning Seminar: State of the Air with APCD Executive Director Lauren Anderson.
Evening Seminar: State of the Air with APCD Executive Director Lauren Anderson.

For more information, go to www.louisvilleky.gov/apcd

Groundbreaking held for another ARRA project

2010-03-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Another project funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars broke ground yesterday.

Gov. Steve Beshear, KIPDA Executive Director Jack Couch and other local officials gathred to break ground for construction of an extension to Blankenbaker Parkway., a $5.1 million project.

The new section of roadway will extend Blankenbaker by six-tenths of a mile from Chenoweth Run Road to Taylorsville Road. It will create direct access from Taylorsville Road to the Bluegrass Industrial Parkway. The extension will be constructed to the east of Chenoweth Run Road and run between the Deer Creek patio homes and Landherr Estates.

Flynn Brothers Contracting Inc. of Louisville was awarded the contract and participated in the ceremony. Construction is to be completed in the summer of 2011.

TARC BOARD ELIMINATES FOUR ROUTES AND REDUCES/CHANGES 16; ADDITIONAL FARE BEING EXPLORED

2010-03-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

During their meeting yesterday, the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) Board of Directors gave its support to a new course of action designed to help TARC make up a projected $5.5 million shortfall and preserve some of the bus routes that had been slated for elimination last month.

TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker recommended that the board move ahead with 20 of the recommendations he made on Feb. 22. Those include four route eliminations and 16 routes that are slated for service reductions or routing changes. Those changes are expected to save about $2.5 million annually and will take effect on June 6.

However, the elimination of 12 of 16 express routes that was proposed last month was put on hold while TARC explores the feasibility of making up part of the shortfall by adding $1 additional fare on all express routes and reducing rather than eliminating service on some of them. Barker also recommended combining Routes #12 Twelfth Street and #22 Twenty-second Street, both of which had been proposed for elimination.

Barker recommended holding off on changes to the Fourth Street Trolley while funding options are considered. Changes to Routes #29 Eastern Parkway, #75 Bluegrass Circulator and #77 Main-Market Trolley were also put on hold.

The final decision is scheduled to be made on the remaining service changes at the next board meeting on April 26. Public hearings will be scheduled in April on the proposed fare increase for express routes.

“The difficult challenge is that we are struggling financially at the same time that public transportation has got to expand,” said Board Chairman Cedric Merlin Powell. “We are looking at ways to maintain service as efficiently and effectively as we can.”

Barker’s recommendation was to eliminate the following four routes:

#80 Hurstbourne Parkway
#59 River Road
#35 Indian Trail
#58 Bashford Manor/Oxmoor.

The following 13 routes will see service reductions effective June 6:

#2 Second Street
#4 Fourth Street
#6 Sixth Street
#15 Market Street
#17 Bardstown Road
#19 Muhammad Ali
#21 Chestnut Street
#25 Oak Street
#27 Hill Street
#31 Middletown
#52 Medical Center Circulator
#55 Westport Road
#72 Clarksville-New Albany.

Four routes will have routing changes: #17 Bardstown Road, #18 Preston-18th Street; #23 Broadway and #62 Breckenridge-Shepherdsville. One of those changes is to ensure that Shalom Towers on Dutchmans Lane will continue to have service. It will be served by the #23 Broadway route instead of the #58 Bashford Manor/Oxmoor.

At the Feb. 22 board meeting, the following express routes were proposed for elimination:

#37X – Iroquois-Fairdale Express
#38X – Deering Express
#45X – Okolona Express
#49X – Westport Road Express
#50X – Dixie Express
#53X – Breckenridge Express
#54X – Manslick Express
#61X – Plainview Express
#64X – Fincastle-Forest Springs Express
#66X – Mount Washington Express
#68X – Prospect Express
#73X – Charlestown Road Express

Ramp closures announced by KYTC

2010-03-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office has announced temporary ramp closures on March 17th from 7:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. due to guardrail repairs. The following ramps will be closed simultaneously during this work:

Exit ramp from eastbound Interstate 64 to northbound Interstate 265 (Exit 19)
Exit ramp from northbound Interstate 265 to westbound Interstate 64 (Exit 25)

KIPDA Winter 2010 Horizons Newsletter now available

2010-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

KIPDA's winter newsletter is on our website. Check out this quarter's edition and found out about:

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects update

The Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan

New TARC bus designs

The 2010 Census

What is the leading cause of Kentucky's accidents?

And more....
To see this quarter's newsletter go to http://www.kipda.org/files/PDF/Transportation_Division/Newsletters/KIPDA_Transportation_Newsletter_-_Winter_2010.pdf

If you'd like to receive the newsletter, email Josh Suiter at Josh.Suiter@ky.gov with your name, address, city, state, zip code, email address (if you have one). Also, if you have story ideas or things you might like to see in the newsletter, email Suiter those details as well.

TARC has another round of proposed cuts

2010-02-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Due to dropping revenues and increased expenses, the TARC Board of Directors will consider additional service reductions at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 22. At the meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at Union Station, the board will review proposed service cuts designed to make up TARC’s projected budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 11, which begins July 1. The proposed cuts would reduce TARC’s expenses by about $5 million and could include eliminating service on up to 20 routes and reducing service on another 16 routes.

The proposed service changes are in addition to those taking effect Sunday, Feb. 21. Those entail eliminating four routes and reducing service on 18 routes. A full list of those changes is available on the website at http://www.ridetarc.org/.

At Monday’s meeting, the following service reductions will be proposed:

Routes proposed for elimination:
#1 – Fourth Street Trolley
#12 – Twelfth Street
#22 – Twenty-Second Street
#35 – Indian Trail-Hikes Lane
#37X – Iroquois-Fairdale Express
#38X – Deering Express
#45X – Okolona Express
#49X – Westport Road
#50X – Dixie Express
#53X – Breckenridge Express
#54X – Manslick Express
#58 – Bashford Manor-Oxmoor
#59 – River Road
#61X – Plainview
#64X – Fincastle - Forest Springs Express
#66X – Mount Washington Express
#68X – Prospect Express
#73X – Charlestown Road Express
#75 – Bluegrass Circulator
#80 – Hurstbourne Parkway

Routes proposed for reduction of frequency (or more time between buses):
#2 – Second Street
# 4 – Fourth Street
#6 – Sixth Street
#19 - Muhammad Ali
#21 – Chestnut Street
#25 - Oak Street
#27 – Hill Street
#67X – Oldham I-71 Express
#72 – Clarksville-New Albany

Routes that may not run during the same hours:
#29 – Eastern Parkway
#31 – Middletown
#77 – Main-Market Trolley

Routes that may see a routing change:
#6 – Sixth Street
#17 – Bardstown Road
#18 - Preston – 18th Street
#21 – Chestnut Street
#23 – Broadway
#62 – Breckenridge-Shepherdsville

A chart of all the changes is available on TARC’s website, http://www.ridetarc.org/. TARC is soliciting public comment on the proposals through March 11. Feedback can be sent to TARC by clicking “Contact Us” on the website, or by calling 561-5112. The mailing address is TARC, Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203. Those wishing to discuss the changes and get more information about how they will be affected are invited to attend public hearings. The days and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, March 9
11 a.m to 1 p.m. at TARC Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
5- 7 p.m. at Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Drive

Wednesday March 10
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring St., in New Albany, Indiana
5-7 p.m. at the East End Government Center, 200 Juneau Drive

Thursday March 11
5-7 p.m. at TARC Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Language translators will also be provided upon request. Please call 561-5112 or 561-5115 with specific information on your special needs.

Technical committee elects chair, vice chair

2010-02-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Transportation Technical Coordinating Committee elected its 2010 chairman and vice chairman during yesterday's meeting.

Matt Meunier (pictured to the right), Assistant to the Mayor and Director of Planning & Design for the City of Jeffersontown, was re-elected chairman. Meunier also serves on the Transportation Policy Committee.

Don Lopp, Floyd County (Ind.) Planner, was re-elected vice-charman.

TARC cuts, reductions begin Feb. 21

2010-02-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

Due to a budget shortfall caused by the current economic downturn, TARC is cutting back service on many routes effective Feb. 21, 2010. Five routes will be eliminated and service will be reduced on 17 routes.

The following routes, all of which have alternative service, will be eliminated:
#46X – 26th/42nd G.E. Express
#69X – New Albany Express
#70X – Clarksville Express
#96 – West Louisville Circulator
#22 – 22nd St. (Saturday)

Little-used route segments on the following routes will also be discontinued:
#1 Fourth Street Trolley
#15 Market Street
#31 Middletown
#43 Poplar Level
#49X Westport Express
#61X Plainview Express
64X Southern Oldham County Express.

Finally, there will be service reductions on the following routes:
#1 Fourth Street Trolley
#2 Second Street
#4 Fourth Street
#6 Sixth Street
#12 Twelfth Street
#15 Market Street
#19 Muhammad Ali
#25 Oak Street
#37X Iroquois Park Express
#45x Okolona Express
#49x Westport Express
#53X Breckenridge Express
#58 Bashford Manor
#61x Plainview Express
#63 Crums Lane
#64X Southern Oldham County Express
#67X Oldham I-71 Express
#71 Jeffersonville Express
#72 Clarksville-New Albany
#73 Charlestown Road Express
#78 Downtown Bluegrass Express.

New schedules will be available on the bus the week before the schedule change and will be available at www.ridetarc.org under “TARC News” up to two weeks before the schedule change. For specific schedule information, call 585-1234.

Transportation Policy Committee elects chairman, vice-chairman

2010-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

KIPDA's Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) has elected J. Byron Chapman , Mayor of Middletown and representative of the Jefferson County League of Cities (pictured to the right with 2008 chair Trish Fraser), as their new chairman for the committee for 2010. In addition, J. Barry Barker, executive director of the Transit Authority of River City, was elected vice-chairman.

Chapman and Barker previously served in these roles during the 2009 year. Chapman is also chairman of KIPDA's Board of Directors.

The TPC is s comprised of elected officials and transportation providers who make decisions for the agency. Their meeting are open to the public and include a public comment period.

Proposed Bullitt Co. TARC Route subject of open house

2010-01-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Bullitt County is working to develop a bus service, which will cost $200,000 a year. The service is the result of a task force, which includes residents and representatives from county government, local businesses, Bullitt County Public Schools, TARC, KIPDA and Louisville Wheels Transportation Inc.

The proposed bus service, which at first will include one large handicap-accessible van, is expected to start in March and will make six stops throughout Bullitt and four stops in Louisville.
TARC has one express route that travels through four sites in Mount Washington and Shepherdsville, one in southeast Louisville and four in downtown Louisville. It has roughly 100 boardings per day, but service is limited to the early morning and evening hours.

The proposed fare is $2 one way, $4 round trip. To compare, TARC charges $1.50 one way.
The proposed route makes three round trips daily between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. and stops at these locations:

Oakbrooke Circle and Ky. 44 at Lloyd Lane in Mount Washington
Market Place Drive in Pioneer Village
Walmart on Standiford Plaza Drive near Hillview
Kroger on Adam Shepherd Parkway
Jefferson Community and Technical College's campus on Buffalo Run Road in Shepherdsville

Residents can view the route and share concerns with officials at an open house Jan. 28.
at 7 p.m. at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, 395 Paroquet Springs Drive. Residents will be able to view the proposed route, schedule and discuss concerns with officials.

For more information, call Judge-Executive Melanie Robert's office at (502) 543-2262.

TARC, That's the Way I Roll

2010-01-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this new TARC video, which features some of the TARC staff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVecMN5WoJE

Snow is coming. Make sure you are ready!

2010-01-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

The projected weather for tomorrow and Friday indicates we could have some tough road conditions due to the snow storm.

Road condition reports for major routes in Kentucky are available by calling 511 or by visiting the 511 travel and traffic information web site at http://511.ky.gov/. Conditions are described in the following manner:

Wet Pavement – The roadway is wet. Ice could form as the temperature drops.

Partly Covered – The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured.

Mostly Covered – The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush, or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions.

Completely Covered – The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush, or ice. Markings are obscured.Impassable – Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they will know what to expect prior to a trip. Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous under wintry conditions. Motorists should always use extra caution when traveling during inclement weather.

Driver safety tips before, and during, the snow and ice season:

Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers, and windshield washers.

Dress warmly for the weather – dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.

Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.

Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route. Carry a cell phone.

Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. The kit should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.

Give a wide berth to snow removal equipment.

Check the forecast and call 511 before you leave. If conditions are dangerous, avoid travel, unless it's absolutely necessary.

TRIMARC keeps you informed

2009-12-31T08:45:00.000-08:00

A quick visit to www.trimarc.org can help local residents and visitors avoid traffic congestion, reduce stress and save gas. The website provides the latest information about construction and traffic incidents through 70 cameras installed along the five interstates in Louisville.

Visitors to the website can view real time traffic conditions by interacting with the system of cameras. They can also find updated travel times before getting on the road. TRIMARC also updates the messages posted on the overhead signs on local interstates.

TRIMARC (Traffic Response and Incident Management Assisting the River Cities) is an integrated system of sensors, cameras, dynamic message signs, highway advisory radio and computers monitoring more than 60 miles of interstate traffic in the greater Louisville and Southern Indiana urbanized area. Information on traffic flow, construction areas and accidents is collected at the TRIMARC traffic control center. Once collected, the information is then disseminated to motorists via the website, overhead dynamic message signs and highway advisory radio, 1610 AM.

For more information about TRIMARC, check out their website. Using this site can and will save you time and gas money.

TARC board preserves some routes proposed to be cut

2009-12-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

TARC’s Board of Directors voted today to cut back service on many routes in February because of a budget shortfall caused by a fall in occupational tax receipts in the local area. The board voted to cut about $275,000 in service to help cover TARC’s budget shortfall in the current fiscal year, which ends in June. Annually, the cuts will save about $800,000.

The board approved eliminating four routes and reducing service on 17. Under the initial proposal, 10 routes were proposed for elimination and 22 routes were slated for reduction. After weighing some of the 250 comments collected over the last two weeks, some of the proposed cuts were postponed. They will be reviewed further and alternative transportation options and funding sources will be sought. Another round of cuts may be unavoidable at the end of the fiscal year in June.

It is projected that about $2 million less in local funding will be available for TARC service during this fiscal year than originally forecast. The board voted to proceed with eliminating the following routes, all of which have alternative service:
#46X – 26th/42nd G.E. Express
#69X – New Albany Express
#70X – Clarksville Express
#96 – West Louisville Circulator
#22 – 22nd St. (Saturday)

Little-used route segments on the following routes will also be discontinued:
#31 Middletown
#43 Poplar Level
#49X Westport Express
#61X Plainview Express
64X Southern Oldham County Express.

Finally, there will be service reductions on the following routes: #1 Fourth Street Trolley; #2 Second Street; #4 Fourth Street; #6 Sixth Street; #12 Twelfth Street; #15 Market Street; #19 Muhammad Ali; #25 Oak Street; #45x Okolona Express; #49x Westport Express; #53X Breckenridge Express; #58 Bashford Manor; #61x Plainview Express; #63 Crums Lane; #64X Southern Oldham County Express; #67X Oldham I-71 Express; #72 Clarksville-New Albany.
A description of the specific route changes is listed below.

The route eliminations that will be postponed for further review are:
#37X Fourth Street Express; #38X Deering Road; #59 River Road; #62 Breckinridge-Shepherdsville Express; #68X Prospect Express; #73X Charlestown Express.
The #84 South Louisville Shuttle will be discontinued after June, and one route, #71 Jeffersonville, will have expanded hours to serve the increase workforce at the U. S. Census office.

The routes that have been preserved were slated for elimination because of low ridership, but most riders do not have an alternative travel option. Among the options to to be explored are combining low-ridership routes with more productive routes, organizing vanpools or reducing rather than eliminating service on low-ridership routes. Also, those serving large numbers of students may be eliminated in June to give students time to find an alternate means of transportation.

Adjustments to take effect on Sunday, February 21, 2010:

Route 1 Toonerville Trolley - Route will be discontinued south of Theatre Square on weekdays; time adjustments on all trips.

Route 2 Second Street - Minor schedule adjustments on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 4 Fourth Street - Minor schedule adjustments on weekdays; Minor schedule adjustments during early morning and late evening hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 6 Sixth Street - Minor schedule adjustments on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 12 Twelfth Street - Service on Saturday and Sunday will only operate from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Route 15 Market Street - Minor schedule adjustments during weekdays and rush hours.

Route 19 Muhammad Ali Blvd. - Schedule adjustments on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 22 Twenty-Second Street - Saturday service will be discontinued.

Route 25 Oak Street - Minor schedule adjustments all days.

Route 31 Middletown - Service to Eastpoint will be discontinued on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday service to Eastpoint will be reduced to peak hours only. Saturday and Sunday service will operate to and from downtown, via Lyndon and will not serve Oxmoor Center.

Route 37X Iroquois Park Express - Reduce service south of Iroquois Park to Fairdale to one run only.

Route 43 Portland – Poplar Level Road - Service will be discontinued east of Outer Loop Plaza and to GE Appliance Park. Service will be eliminated on Poplar Level Road, between the intersection with Rangeland Road and Shepherdsville Road. Minor schedule adjustments all days.

Route 45X Okolona Express - One morning and one afternoon trip will be discontinued.

Route 46X West Louisville – GE ExpressThis route will be discontinued.

Route 49X Westport Road Express - Service east of Westport Road and Hurstbourne Lane will be discontinued. All trips will originate/terminate at Hurstbourne Parkway and Westport Road. One a.m. and one p.m. trip will be discontinued.

Route 53X Breckenridge Lane Express - One morning and one afternoon trip will be discontinued.

Route 58 Bashford Manor – Oxmoor One Saturday afternoon round-trip will be discontinued. Schedule adjustments on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 61X Plainview Express - Service will be discontinued east of Middletown Station Park & Ride. Eastbound morning trips and westbound afternoon trips will operate directly from TARC garage at 10th & Broadway to I-64 to Blankenbaker Parkway to Shelbyville Road. One morning and one afternoon trip will be discontinued.

Route 63 Crums Lane - Minor schedule adjustments all days.

Route 64X Southern Oldham County / new name - Fincastle – Forest Springs ExpressThis route will be discontinued east of Westport Road and Lagrange Road. One morning and one afternoon trip will be discontinued.

Route 67X Oldham County Express - One afternoon trip will be discontinued.

Route 69X New Albany Express - This route will be discontinued.

Route 70X Clarksville Express - This route will be discontinued. (Route 72 express trip will take the place of the morning and afternoon route 70X trips, but service on Lombardy Drive and Redwood Drive will be discontinued.)

Route 71 Jeffersonville - Minor schedule adjustments on weekdays.

Route 72 Clarksville – New AlbanyMinor schedule adjustments on weekdays.One morning and one afternoon trip will operate as route 72X.

Route 78X Downtown – Bluegrass ExpressMinor schedule adjustments on weekdays.

Route 84 South Louisville - This route will be discontinued after relocation of Catholic Charities this summer.

Route 96 West Louisville Circulator - This route will be discontinued.

I-264 ramp to be closed Saturday thru Monday

2009-12-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Highways District 5 Office will temporary close the exit ramp from westbound Interstate 264 to southbound Newburg Road (mile point 14.5).

This ramp closure is scheduled from 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 12th until 6 a.m. on Monday, December 14th. Motorists should follow the signed detour via Poplar Level Road and Gardiner Lane.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

I-65 Exit Ramp to be Closed

2009-12-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Department of Highways District 5 Office has announced the temporary closure of the exit ramp from northbound Interstate 65 to westbound Interstate 264 (mile point 130.7). This ramp closure is scheduled from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4th until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7th and will allow for bridge deck repairs as part of the Revive 65 project.

Motorists should follow the signed detour on to northbound I-65 to the Crittenden Drive exit. Turn right onto Crittenden Drive and then access southbound I-65 and follow to westbound I-264.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

TARC holding public hearings on possible route cuts

2009-11-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

Transit Authority of River City will hold a series of public hearings on proposed route cuts and reductions in an effort to make up a $2 million budget shortfall. The shortfall is due to high unemployment in the Louisville area and a decline in local occupational taxes, which accounts for about 60 percent of its budget.

TARC is proposing that 10 routes be eliminated and 22 to be reduced. The proposed changes can be found here: http://www.ridetarc.org/EditorUpload/file/Chart%20-%20Proposed%20Adjustments.pdf. The proposed changes are expected to take effect Feb. 21.

The public hearings will be held:
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., TARC Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway.

• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 W. Spring St., New Albany; and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fern Creek High School, 9115 Fern Creek Road.

• Thursday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Matthews City Hall, 3940 Grandview Ave.; and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Iroquois High Magnet Career Academy, 4615 Taylor Blvd.

Comments about the proposal also can be made by calling (502) 561-5112 or by sending an e-mail to info@ridetarc.org.

INDOT seeks public feedback

2009-11-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Indiana Department of Transportation is holding a public review of its draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

The draft plan will be available for review beginning today on INDOT’s Web site and at six regional open houses around the state, including 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, at INDOT's Seymour District Office, 185 Agrico Lane.

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is a document required by federal law projecting capital investments, involving federal funds and other regionally significant improvements over the next four fiscal years.

Written comments may also be submitted through INDOT’s Web site, indot.IN.gov.

Fall 2009 Newsletter now available

2009-11-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

KIPDA's fall newsletter is on our website. Check out this quarter's edition and found out about:

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects

A possible lapse on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan

Information on some area projects that received funding

Ticket to Ride's new BikePool program

And more....

To see this quarter's newsletter go to http://www.kipda.org/files/PDF/Transportation_Division/Newsletters/KIPDA_Transportation_Newsletter_-_Fall_2009.pdf

Transportation Improvement Program and Horizon 2030 Amendment Open House

2009-10-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency is seeking public comment on proposed changes to projects in the 2007–2011 Transportation Improvement Plan and the Horizon 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan. Open houses will be held October 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at KIPDA in the conference room, 11520 Commonwealth Drive in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, or from 4-6:30 p.m. October 27 at the Clarksville Branch Library, 1312 Eastern Blvd., in Clarksville, Indiana.

Project information is available for public review from October 15-29 at public libraries in Bullitt, Clark, Floyd, Jefferson and Oldham counties and at http://www.kipda.org/Transportation/Drafts.aspx or by calling Josh Suiter at 502-266-6084, 1-800-648-6056 (KY TDD) or 1-800-962-8408 (IN TDD). Comments can also be sent to KIPDA, 11520 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, KY 40299 or emailed to Kipda.trans@ky.gov.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, people needing assistance should contact KIPDA with the requirements at the telephone numbers or address listed above.