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Public safety is not the responsibility of one office or one agency — it requires leadership from the Mayor and Council, dedicated work from law enforcement, support systems that help prevent crime, and a justice system that treats violent offenses with the seriousness they deserve.
Last year, Republican members of the Metro Council put forward more than a dozen substantive policy proposals aimed at making Louisville safer. One of those proposals focused on increasing transparency around judicial decisions that directly impact community safety. We made clear then — and we reaffirm now — that when court rulings undermine public safety, the public has a right to know and to evaluate those decisions.
Last week, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Tracey Davis reduced the sentence of Christopher Thompson — a twice-convicted violent offender — from a jury-recommended 65 years to 30 years. This decision came despite the recommendation of prosecutors, the judgment of a jury, and the severity of the crimes involved. Court records show that Mr. Thompson carjacked a woman at gunpoint, kidnapped her, sexually assaulted her, forced her to withdraw money from a bank, and assaulted her again — all after a prior violent conviction. Reports from the courtroom also indicate threatening behavior during sentencing and a lack of remorse.
This ruling sends the wrong message at the wrong time. Our community is demanding safer streets, accountability for violent crime, and a justice system that prioritizes victims and public protection. When sentences for repeat violent offenders are dramatically reduced, it erodes public confidence and raises serious concerns about whether the system is aligned with the interests of justice and community safety.
Let us be clear: judges have discretion, but discretion carries responsibility. Decisions that significantly depart from jury recommendations in cases involving extreme violence deserve scrutiny and public awareness. Transparency is not an attack on the judiciary — it is a cornerstone of accountability in a system that serves the people.
Republican members of the Louisville Metro Council will continue to highlight cases where judicial decisions have substantial public safety implications. While we do not control the courts, we will use our platform to ensure the public is informed and that the conversation about accountability in our justice system does not stop. Louisville families deserve a system that stands firmly on the side of victims and community safety.
LOUISVILLE, KY — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to an increase in rental property scams across Jefferson County, a trend that commonly intensifies during tax refund season as scammers become more aggressive — and more convincing.
In these cases, suspects advertise homes they do not own or manage and collect weekly or monthly rent payments, often in cash, before disappearing. Victims are frequently individuals and families facing credit challenges or housing barriers and are targeted with promises of quick move-ins, minimal screening and low upfront costs. To help residents protect themselves, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is sharing the following warning signs and prevention tips:
• Avoid paying rent in cash. If cash is unavoidable, always demand a receipt.
• Never move forward without a signed lease agreement.
• Verify property ownership or management through public records or trusted sources.
• Speak with neighbors to confirm who owns or manages the property.
• Be skeptical of rental offers that seem too good to be true. “These scams prey on people who are simply trying to secure safe housing for themselves or their families,” said Chief Deputy Col. Steve Healey. “Before you hand over any money, take the time to verify that the person you’re dealing with has the legal authority to rent the property. A legitimate rental will always involve a lease and proper documentation.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who believes they may be a victim of a rental scam — or who observes suspicious rental activity — to report it immediately to law enforcement.
While several victims have come forward, many are understandably reluctant to appear on camera. However, representatives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are available for media interviews to discuss the scam trends, warning signs and steps the public can take to avoid becoming a victim.
Now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations. To learn more visit www.250louky.com
 "Join us for our 2nd Drive-Thru Microchip Clinic on Sunday, February 15th 1pm-3:30pm ( must be in live by 3:30pm) First 50 microchips are FREE! $10 per chip after that. ALL Jefferson County residents are welcome! You will stay in your car to keep warm while we take care of your pet-- this is done in a climate-controlled garage. Animals@Louisvilleky.gov with any questions "
 Harbor House of Louisville is an Intergenerational Life Center that recently opened a Child Enrichment Center in the south end of Louisville. We have been serving adults with intellectual disabilities for over 30 years and just recently included children in our mission. We serve 31 zip codes and 5 different counties around the city of Louisville. We are hosting our Feathers and Friends Gala on March 21st.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 9, 2026) – Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is proud to announce the Louisville Zoo has been nominated for two awards as part of USA Today’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards” program. The Zoo is nominated as “Best Zoo” and for “Best Zoo Membership.”
“Louisville is fortunate to have an amazing zoo, and our community knows it!” said Mayor Greenberg. “I encourage everyone to vote early and vote often to help get our Louisville Zoo the recognition it deserves.”
Voting begins today and continues through Monday, March 9 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The rules allow the public to vote online for one nominee per category, per day. This is the third consecutive year the Zoo has been nominated for “Best Zoo”, along with a top-ten finish for “Best Zoo Exhibit” for Glacier Run in 2024, and a sixth-place finish for “Best Zoo Membership” in 2025.
Guests can vote for the Zoo at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/louisville-zoo-louisville-kentucky/ for Best Zoo and for Best Zoo Membership
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties.
Other nominees this year include the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Bronx Zoo in New York, San Diego Zoo in California and Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.
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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
 Louisville Grows would like to remind the community about our Treecipient Program, which provides free trees to residents across Louisville neighborhoods. The attached graphic details how residents can sign up to receive trees and work with their community to grow our urban tree canopy.
As a longstanding leader in residential tree distribution, Louisville Grows continues to offer support through this program, helping residents connect to resources and participate in tree planting in their neighborhoods.
New items or changes in project status are shown in bold
Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances may arise, and as such, the information provided below is for advisory purposes only and subject to change without prior notice.
Pothole patching, sweeping, drain & ditch cleaning, striping, pavement marking, and maintenance crews may work on major interstates during non-peak daytime hours and at night. Motorists should watch for roadside maintenance on interstates and highways daily throughout the district.
 **Following the recent snow and ice event, our crews are out across the district repairing potholes and addressing winter-related roadway wear. This is part of our routine maintenance efforts to keep state routes safe and drivable.
As crews move from location to location, drivers may encounter short-term lane closures or rolling operations on interstates and state highways. These repairs often happen quickly and as conditions are identified.
Please stay alert, reduce speed in work zones, and give our highway crews the space they need to complete pothole patching safely.**
| Jefferson County |
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| I-65 Central Corridor |
Information related to the I-65 Central Corridor project can be found online at i65centralcorridor.com.
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U.S. 31E (Main Street)
*Main Remade* |
*Construction phasing details, including traffic impacts, are available online at: www.MainRemade.com
Latest press release:
https://lnks.gd/2/33z8p--
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| I-64 East and West |
Traffic Impacts: Traffic is in its final configuration. Lane closures are possible as final items as part of the project are underway.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly.
Project Limits: I-64 East and West at mile point 11.799, near Exit 10 (Cannons Lane) on I-64 West, and near Exit 12 to I-264 (Watterson Expressway) on I-64 East.
Type of Work: Bridge replacement project.
Other Details: *Project announcement press release
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| I-65 South (John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge) |
**Due to recent winter weather, the I-65 South ramp to I-64 West will remain closed through mid to late February. Further updates on project timing and future traffic impacts for the mobilization to the left three lanes will be shared when available.**
**Latest project update and details: https://lnks.gd/3/3RJ3qVj
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Traffic Impacts: Closure of the right three lanes.
I-65 South (John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge).
Type of Work: Expansion joint replacement project.
Other Details: The I-65 South to I-64 West ramp closure, which began Nov. 18, 2025, as part of the ongoing bridge expansion joint replacement project, will remain in place through January to support work on the southernmost expansion joint on the right side of the bridge. In addition to the ramp closure, the right three lanes and right shoulder of the Kennedy Bridge remain closed.
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| I-264/U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road) Improvement Project |
**Traffic impacts available here.**
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| KY 864 (Logan Street/Shelby Street) |
Traffic Impacts: Sidewalk and lane closures are possible.
Date/Time: Daily and nightly.
Project Limits: Between Goss Avenue and East Gray Street.
Type of Work: One-way to two-way conversion of the roadway.
Other Details: Major work has resumed, with full completion expected by Spring 2026.
*Project Webpage
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| KY 1819 (Billtown Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Project Limits: Three sections of KY 1819 (Billtown Road):
- Easum Road through Mary Dell Lane
- Michael Edward Drive through Fairground Road
- Shady Acres Lane through Colonnades Place
Type of Work: Reconstruction of KY 1819 (Billtown Road) from North of Colonnades Place to south of Easum Road with new traffic signals, signal optimization, turn lanes, storage lanes, etc. (varying by intersection based on existing conditions and future traffic projections).
Other Details: The reconstruction project is expected to be completed by the Spring of 2026.
*Project webpage
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| KY 1932 (Chenoweth Lane) |
*Contract crews mobilzed the week of Monday, Feb. 2. Intermittent lane closures are possible from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Motorists will be directed through the work zone via flagging operations. Drivers should heed flagging operations and use caution when traveling through the corridor.*
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily and nightly.
Project Limits: KY 1932 (Chenoweth Lane) between U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) and U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road).
Type of Work: Construction activities include roadway modifications, sidewalk and pedestrian crossing improvements, and drainage enhancements designed to reduce flooding and improve overall travel conditions in the area.
Other Details: This project is expected to be completed the Fall of 2026. |
I-264
*Various Exit Ramps |
Traffic Impacts: Ramp narrowing with intermittent lane and shoulder closures.
Project Limits: Various interchange Exit ramps on I-64 and I-264.
Type of Work: Installation and upgrade of wrong-way pavement markings and signs.
Other Details: The Highway Safety Improvement Project will install and enhance wrong-way signs and pavement markings on interstate Exit ramps to discourage wrong-way driving. Motorists should reduce speeds and obey traffic control while workers are present. This project is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2025. |
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| Bullitt County |
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| KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Road closure.
Date/Time: Beginning Monday, Nov. 17, through May 14, 2026.
Project Limits: KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road) will be closed at mile point 14.35 at the bridge over Floyds Fork.
Type of Work: Superstructure replacement.
Detour:
- For westbound traffic on KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road): Turn left onto KY 61 (Preston Highway) south toward Shepherdsville. At the signalized intersection, turn left onto KY 44 (East 4th Street) to reach KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road).
- For eastbound traffic on KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road): Turn right onto KY 44 (East 4th Street) through Shepherdsville. At the signalized intersection of KY 61 (Preston Highway), turn right to then reach KY 1526 (Bells Mill Road).
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| Franklin County |
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| KY 12 (Flat Creek Road) |
Traffic Impacts: N/A.
Date/Time: Beginning Aug. 11, through the Fall of 2026.
Project Limits: KY 12 bridge over Flat Creek at mile point 12.46 (at the Franklin/Henry County line).
Type of Work: Bridge replacement project.
Other Details: Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge until construction has been completed on the replacement bridge. |
| I-64 East and West |
*Daytime drain cleaning operations will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, requiring the closure of the right shoulder on I-64 West between mile markers 53 and 58.*
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and traffic shifts are possible.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly beginning Thursday, Sept. 4.
Project Limits: The I-64 East and West, between the Frankfort exits (mile markers 53 and 58).
Type of Work: The I-64 improvement project, between the Frankfort exits (mile markers 53 and 58), includes the milling and removal of the existing asphalt surface followed by resurfacing with new asphalt pavement. Other improvements to the 5-mile corridor include bridge repairs and bridge crash wall repairs.
Other Details:
- U.S. 60 (Versailles Road):
U.S. 60 (Versailles Road) will be reduced to one lane in each direction under the I-64 overpass bridge nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 15.
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| U.S. 127/Vandalay Drive Intersection |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and traffic shifts are possible.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly.
Project Limits: U.S. 127/Vandalay Drive intersection.
Type of Work: The scope of the project includes constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of Vandalay Drive and Westridge Drive; extending Vandalay Drive to Limestone Drive to create a direct connection to KY 676 (East-West Connector); extending Vandalay Drive to U.S. 127 near the I-64/U.S. 127 interchange; and adding dual receiving lanes to improve left-turn movements from U.S. 127 onto Westridge Drive.
Other Details: The project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2026. |
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| Oldham County |
*Routine Maintenance* |
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| Spencer County |
*Routine maintenance* |
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| Shelby County |
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| I-64 Widening and Improvement Project |
**Traffic impacts here.**
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| Henry County |
*Routine maintenance* |
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| Trimble County |
*Routine maintenance* |
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2025 Resurfacing Projects
Resurfacing projects will begin April 1, 2025, and
will be completed by the Fall of 2025.
Motorists should heed signage and use caution when traveling through the work zone.
| County / Road Name: |
Project Limits: |
| Jefferson County |
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| U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) |
Begin at an asphalt joint west of U.S. 60A extending east to 53 ft west of Sherburn Ln Spur Conn/Ten Pin Ln, a distance of 01.85 miles |
| U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) |
Begin at Urton Lane/North English Station Road, extending east to an asphalt joint 0.038 miles west of Beckley Woods Drive/English State Way. |
U.S. 31 (West Main Street)
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West Main St (US 31W southbound only) begins at US 150/West Main St, extending south to 145 ft north of US 31, a distance of 1.78 miles. |
| KY 907 (Valley Station Road/Third Street Road) |
Begin at U.S. 31E extending north to Arnoldtown Road, a distance of 3.99 miles |
| KY 1065 (Outer Loop) |
Begin at KY 907 extending east to a concrete joint at KY 1020, a distance of 02.48 miles |
| KY 61 (Preston Highway) |
Begin at the north end of the bridge over I-265 extending north to 0.026 miles south of Okolona Ter, a distance of 01.86 miles |
KY 1230 (Lower River Road)
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From Tennis Blvd, west 0.093 miles, extending northerly to KY 1934, a distance of 2.62 miles. |
KY 2830 (Arthur Street)
*Completed* |
KY 2830 (Arthur Street) east of Brandies Avenue/KY 61 extending north to University Boulevard. |
U.S. 31E (Bardstown Road)
*Completed* |
U.S. 31E (Bardstown Road) at the Bullitt/Jefferson County line, extending south of Colonel Hancock Drive. |
KY 1631 (Crittenden Drive)
*Completed* |
KY 1631 (Crittenden Drive) at the beginning of state maintenance near the I-264 interchange, extending north to U.S. 60A (Eastern Parkway). |
KY 1531 (Johnson Road)
*Completed* |
KY 1531 (Johnson Road) from the railroad crossing extending north to Aiken Road. |
KY 61 (Arthur Street)
*Completed* |
KY 61 (Arthur Street) beginning east of Brandies Avenue extending north to I-65 ramp/East Gaulbert Avenue. |
KY 155 (Taylorsville Road)
*Completed* |
KY 155 (Taylorsville Road) beginning at KY 1747 (Hurstbourne Lane) extending north to KY 1932 (Breckenridge Lane). |
KY 329 (Covered Bridge Road)
*Completed* |
KY 329 (Covered Bridge Road) beginning at U.S. 42 extending east to the Jefferson/Oldham County line. |
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| Bullitt County |
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KY 61 (Old Preston Highway)
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Begin at KY 61 extending north to 0.165 miles north Hillsbrook Dr, a distance of 0.87 miles
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KY 61 (North Preston Highway)
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Begin 21 ft north of KY 2553 extending north to Bullitt/Jefferson County line, a distance of 01.58 miles
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| KY 480 (Cedar Grove Road) |
Begin 0.113 miles east of Park Loop Rd/Valley Vw Dr extending east to 0.077 miles east of KY 1442, a distance of 0.42 miles |
KY 1442 (Ridge Road)
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Ridge Rd/Clarks Ln from McCubbins Farm Ln, south 0.056 mile, extending easterly towards Paddock Rd, a distance of 4.90 miles. |
KY 1604 (Deatsville Road)
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From KY 245, extending northerly towards Jackson Hollow Rd, a distance of 3.20 miles. |
KY 1531 (Dawson Hill Road)
*Completed* |
KY 1531 (Dawson Hill Road) from KY 1319 extending north to the Bullitt/Jefferson County line. |
KY 2672 (Knob Creek Road)
*Completed* |
KY 2672 (Knob Creek Road) from KY 1526 (Brooks Hill Road) extending north towards Lake Elmo Road. |
KY 2674 (Stringer Lane)
*Completed* |
KY 2674 (Stringer Lane) from U.S. 31E extending north to KY 44. |
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| Franklin County |
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| U.S. 60 (Louisville Road) |
Begin at the east end of Benson Creek Bridge extending east to mile point .025 just east of Office Park Drive. |
| KY 12 (Dry Ridge Road/Flat Creek Road) |
KY 12 (Dry Ridge Road/Flat Creek Road) from the Shelby/Franklin County line extending east to Harvieland Road. |
| KY 1570 (St Johns Road) |
KY 1570 (St Johns Road) from the bridge at mile point 4.2, extending north to KY 12. |
| U.S. 127 (Wilkinson Boulevard) |
U.S. 127 (Wilkinson Boulevard) near Hall Street extending north to the south end of the U.S. 127/KY 2261 bridge. |
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| Oldham County |
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| KY 53 (North First Avenue) |
Begin at KY 146 extending north to US 42 (MP 11.045), a distance of 03.99 miles |
KY 524 (Westport Road)
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From US 42, extending northerly towards Smith Ln, a distance of 1 mile. |
KY 362 (Central Avenue)
*Completed* |
KY 362 (Central Avenue) from Rosswoods Drive extending south towards KY 146. |
KY 329 (Covered Bridge Road)
*Completed* |
KY 329 (Covered Bridge Road) from KY 329B extending east to mile point 8.754. |
| KY 393 (Crestwood to La Grange) |
Begin at KY 22 extending north to the south end of the North Fork Bridge, a distance of 1.99 miles |
KY 393 (Payton Lane)
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From KY 1818, extending northerly to KY 22, a distance of 2.56 miles. |
KY 1694 (Gum Street)
*Completed* |
KY 1694 (Gum Street) from KY 329 extending north towards Mason Lane. |
KY 3223 (Old Sligo Road)
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From KY 53, extending northerly to Ballard School Rd, a distance of 1.55 miles. |
U.S. 42
*Completed* |
U.S. 42 east of KY 1694 (Gum Street) extending east to the Oldham/Henry County line. |
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| Shelby County |
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U.S.421 (Castle Highway)
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Begin 21 feet north of KY 3322 extending north to KY 55, a distance of 2.82 miles. Castle Highway begins at Henry/Shelby County line extending north to the Shelby/Henry County line, a distance of 0.79 mile. |
KY 22 (Ballardsville Road)
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Begin at Oldham/Henry County line extending east to KY 55, a distance of 7.02 miles |
KY 362 (Aiken Road)
*Completed* |
KY 362 (Aiken Road) from the Oldham/Shelby County line extending east near Webb Road. |
| U.S. 60 (Frankfort Road) |
U.S. 60 (Frankfort Road) beginning at KY 395 extending east to the Shelby/Franklin County line. |
KY 1408 (Floydsburg Road)
*Completed* |
KY 1408 (Loydsburg Road) from KY 362 extending west to the Shelby/Oldham County line. |
KY 322 (Lucas Road)
*Completed* |
KY 322 (Lucas Road) from KY 53 extending north to the Shelby/Henry County line. |
KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road)
*Completed* |
KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road) beginning at KY 714/KY 44 extending north to KY 1790 (Hooper Station Road). |
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| Spencer County |
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KY 1392 (Grays Run Road)
*Completed* |
Begin at the east end of Simpsonville Creek Bridge extending east to KY 55, a distance of 2.64 miles |
KY 1633 (Elk Creek Road)
*Completed* |
KY 1633 (Elk Creek Road) from KY 1135 (Industrial Road) extending north to KY 55.
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KY 1795 (Mill Road)
*Completed* |
KY 1795 (Mill Road) from Paradise Pointe Road extending east to KY 636. |
KY 55 (Shelbyville Road)
*Completed* |
KY 55 (Shelbyville Road) beginning at KY 155 extending north to the Spencer/Shelby County line. |
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We now have a new way for you to map crime around you. Just click here and view our new interactive crime mapping tool for Division 5 & 8 or for each beat in Division 5 & 8. And save it in your favorites to view crime anytime it's updated daily. On the page is a Quickfind tool that allows you to put your address in and subscribe to crime trends, alerts and block watch reports for your police beat. Forward this email to your friends and family!
For further information on Councilman Scott Reed or District 16 please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-16
You can also reach out directly by phone at 502.574.1116 or by email at scott.reed@louisvilleky.gov.
601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
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