District 11 eNews (August 11, 2023)

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Councilman Kevin Kramer

Metro Councilman Kevin Kramer

601 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502.574.1111
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Scott Harrington

 

Legislative Assistant
Phone: 502-574-3456
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In this issue:


KYTC Announces Planning Study for Potential New Interchange on I-64

KYTC

Public meetings to be held August 28 and 31

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2023) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announces the planning study (item no. 5-80000) for a potential new interchange on Interstate 64 in eastern Jefferson County/western Shelby County.

Throughout the course of the next year, the study will explore the needs for a potential new interchange on I-64 in eastern Jefferson County/western Shelby County by quantifying the benefits, costs, and impacts associated with a range of solutions – including the consideration of environmental constraints and community perspectives. In addition to considering a potential new I-64 interchange, the study will evaluate potential routes connecting U.S. 60 to the north (near Eastwood) to KY 155/KY 148 to the south (near Fisherville).

Currently, motorists do not have access to I-64 between I-265 and KY 1848, a distance of nearly 9 miles. The lack of connectivity results in longer travel times and contributes to delayed emergency response times on I-64 as well as U.S. 60, KY 155/KY 148 and other area roadways.

In 2008, a similar study identified traffic congestion from a lack of roadway connectivity as the top need. The 2008 study considered several corridors before it recommended a western interchange and connector with four lanes and bicycle/pedestrian facilities – predating the creation of The Parklands of Floyds Fork.

In coming months, analysts will model future traffic flows in a travel demand model – taking into account expected household and employment growth patterns through 2045. This tool will then allow the project team to test what-if scenarios to determine which areas would receive the most benefit from new potential traffic connections.

Public meetings will be held to share information and gather input from residents and motorists. Since this project affects communities north and south of I-64, meetings will be held in both areas. Handouts containing information about the project and comment sheets will be available at the meeting. Representatives from KYTC and their design consultant will be in attendance to answers questions from residents and roadway users.

Input received from the 2023 public meetings and survey efforts will be compiled and considered as potential study concepts are developed. Outreach will continue throughout the course of the study, with a second public meeting anticipated for spring 2024 to collect input on build concepts.

Details for the first set of public meetings: (Informal format, stop by anytime between 6-8 p.m.)

  • Monday, August 28, 6-8 p.m. St. Michael's Catholic School (Cafeteria) 3703 Stone Lakes Drive Louisville, KY 40299
  • Thursday, August 31, 6-8 p.m. Highview Baptist Church - East Campus (Lobby) 15201 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY 40245

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone with a disability requiring assistance are asked to contact Morgan Woodrum - KYTC, no later than Friday, August 25. Please call 502-764-0481 or mail your request to 8310 Westport Road, Louisville KY 40242.

Those unable to attend the public meetings are encouraged to submit their feedback via an online survey through Friday, September 15.


Safety Project – KY 155 Taylorsville Rd at South Pope Lick Update

 

  • Construction Letting was August 2022*
  • The approach to S. Pope Lick Road is anticipated to reopen in December of 2023.
  • The project is expected to be completed in the winter of 2023.​
  • *​MSD installed a new sanitary line, and the contractor had unforeseen challenges with rock excavation 

*The above project milestone dates are subject to change depending on the cabinet's funding constraints.

KY 155 (Taylorsville Road) Safety Improvement at South Pope Lick Road - Project 05-808

OTHER KYDOT PROJECTS ON TAYLORSVILLE ROAD AND TAYLORSVILLE LAKE RD

Bookmark these links to check on progress for each project.

KY 155 (Taylorsville Road) Widening Project 05-8908

KY 55 (Taylorsville Road) and KY 155 (Taylorsville Lake Road) Lane Addition - Project 05-8954.00


Paving Projects & Road Work scheduled for the week of August 14

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works road safety improvement and paving projects scheduled for the week of August 14.

  • Pamela Jo Ave. from Gilliland Rd. to dead end
  • Jefferson Blvd. from McCawley Rd. to Outer Loop

Free recycling and large item disposal event on August 26

Drop off event

Employers & Employees Now Eligible for the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership –(ECCAP)

Kentucky has launched an innovative new program to assist working families with the cost of child care and help employers attract and retain talent. The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100%, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit. For example, if an employer commits $100 per month to their employees' child care expenses, the state may match that contribution up to another $100, giving employees a total of up to $200 in child care assistance. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers, who are included in this databaseVarious program restrictions apply. To learn more, view the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page here, visit Kentucky's ECCAP program page here, or send inquires to PartnershipChildCare@ky.gov 


Louisville Metro Emergency Services reminds families to stay safe with Smart911

As schools resume, officials urge families to create a Safety Profile for their household to provide vital information to 911 in case of emergency

With the start of a new academic year, safety is top of mind for both parents and school officials. Louisville Metro Emergency Services is reminding families that there is a free service available to them to help plan ahead for an emergency. 

Smart911, a nationwide public safety service, allows families to create a Safety Profile for their household by downloading the Smart911 App or visiting www.smart911.com and providing details such as photos of children, home address, medical notes and emergency contacts. If any member of the family dials 911 from any phone number registered to their profile, that information will be available to dispatchers to send response teams to the correct location with current information on the individual in need. These details can greatly affect the outcome of any emergency, including:

A Missing Child

In the event that a child is missing, having a current photo and physical description in the family’s Safety Profile can save valuable time, as that information can be sent to officers in the field immediately to begin a search.

Emergency Call from a Child

A child may know how to dial 911, but they may not always be able to relay the information needed to get help fast. Details such as an address or medical notes on a parent or other family member in need can be included in the Safety Profile so that the dispatcher does not have to rely on the child for information.

An Incident Walking to or from School

If a child carries a cell phone and needs help while walking to or from school for a medical issue or an accident, the Safety Profile will provide contact information for parents or other emergency contacts who need to be notified.

An Incident at Home

In the event of a house fire, accident or other emergency at home, responders can be aware of who lives in the house, including pets, and be sure everyone is safe and accounted for when they arrive on scene.

Schools can also be better prepared for an emergency with the addition of Rave Facility. By creating a profile for their facility, school administrators can make responders aware of on-site contacts, building layouts, access points and even the locations of athletic fields and parking lots. Anytime any phone calls 911 from within the boundaries of the school facility, that information will also be available to facilitate a fast response. Schools and other commercial buildings and facilities can create a profile at www.ravefacility.com.

“With the return of school, safety is our top priority for all of our children, families and staff,” said Jody Meiman, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Emergency Services. “We encourage all families in our community to take advantage of Smart911 in order to help us better help them in an emergency. The addition of the facility profile will only enhance our response time and efforts to ensure our entire community will stay safe.” 

Smart911 is currently available in 40 states and more than 1,500 municipalities across the country, and it has been credited with positively affecting emergency outcomes, including a missing child in which the girl’s photo and physical description were immediately available to 911 and responders, as well as a heart attack victim where an address and medical notes allowed responders to be dispatched to his location quickly. 


Louisville Zoo Wildlife Photography Classes with Murphy’s Camera Back by Popular Demand

Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is happy to announce the return of its popular Wildlife Photography Basics class on August 12 and September 9.  The one-day course is presented in partnership with Murphy’s Camera.

Participants will learn the building blocks of great Zoo wildlife photography. Zoo staff will lend their expert advice on what animal behaviors to look for as well as the best times and seasons to photograph different species.  Murphy’s Camera experts will advise on the basics of framing a shot and practical methods for taking advantage of available light.

The class meets from 9 to 11 a.m. and is designed for teens and adults eager to learn the basics of wildlife photography. For the August 12 class participants will take a photo walk through the South America area with views of puma, bald eagle, lynx, maned wolf, flamingos, sloth, hyacinth macaws or toucan (depends on rotational schedule) and jaguar.  The September 9 class features the Islands area with views of the little penguins, dalmatian pelicans, Aldabra tortoises, and rotational islands mammals which could include Sumatran tiger, orangutans, babirusa, tapir and siamangs.

Registration for both classes is open now for $60 for non-members and $40 for members and includes all-day Zoo admission. Visit louisvillezoo.org/photography for more details and to register.

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring / summer hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy the Zoo until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.


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