Representatives from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, MSD, and Lyndon Fire Department made presentations during a monthly meeting about the new Robley Rex VA Medical Center. Elected officials from Crossgate, Northfield, Graymoor-Devondale, Windy Hills, and Louisville Metro Council Districts 7 and 16 sought information about traffic plans, waste and storm water, and fire protection services.  

KYTC reports traffic counts and forecasting for the US 42 interchange reconstruction project are complete and traffic analysis is underway. Four plans are being considered, two of which will be selected and presented to the public for feedback during a meeting planned for December.  All four plans are based on traffic design forecasts that include future hospital traffic.  After the final design is approved (expected in December 2014) KYTC will begin the right of way acquisition process and utility relocation.  Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2016 and to be completed in the spring of 2018.  This corresponds with the timeline for completion and opening of the new VA hospital. 

KYTC is organizing a Citizens Advisory Group that will meet regularly during the US 42 interchange reconstruction project.  KYTC officials expressed the need to hear ideas and concerns from those using the US 42 corridor.  Local mayors, for example, have expressed concerns about the "right-in, right-out" at the Northfield entrance at the intersection of US 42 and KY 22.  Concerns like these will be taken into consideration.  I am committed to sharing information from these meetings with residents in my email newsletters.  

Representatives from MSD reported that the sewer system along Carlimar Lane that will service the new VA hospital is able to handle the increase in volume produced by the hospital.  Onsite retention basins are also planned to manage storm water.

A Major from the Lyndon Fire Department explained the response process and the cooperative agreement between departments which will ensure the highest level of service.  The five closest fire companies from Lyndon, St. Matthews, Worthington and Harrods Creek will be dispatched in the event of a fire.  New GPS technology will further enhance their ability to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.  VA officials are working with the local fire departments to ensure high quality service continues to be provided to neighbors and the future hospital.

Although site preparation and pre-construction activities have been underway for months, Tuesday, May 28, will mark the commencement of construction for the East End Crossing.  The more visible activity through the end of June will occur on the Kentucky side and should include:

• Excavation activities along KY 841 near U.S. 42 and the planned KY 841 at River Road.
• Temporary pavement widening for upcoming traffic changes at KY 841 and U.S. 42, beginning the week of May 28, with completed traffic reconfiguration expected on approximately June 5th.
• The traffic changes will include closure of one left-turn lane from westbound U.S. 42 onto KY 841 (which currently consists of two lanes), closure of the dedicated right-turn lane from eastbound U.S. 42 onto KY 841, and shifting of the northbound KY 841 ramp traffic at U.S.42.
• With the traffic switch, a new traffic signal will be added on KY 841 about 2,000 feet south of the U.S. 42 / KY 841 interchange.  This light will enable construction site traffic to safely enter and exit KY 841.
• Blasting near the intersection of U.S. 42 and KY 841 will begin in mid-June.  Prior to each blast, traffic within 800 feet will be stopped.  Each stoppage may last from about five minutes to 20 minutes.  Traffic stops for blasting to occur during off-peak hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Once blasting begins, there generally will be about two to four blasts per day. 

It is also important to note that U.S. 42 will maintain its two lanes of traffic in each direction throughout the construction period.

The Mayor's Hike, Bike, and Paddle will take place May 27 at Waterfront Park.  A healthy marketplace with nutritional snacks, free children's activities, and informational booths will begin at 8:30 a.m.  Food trucks will be on site offering a variety of food and snacks.  There will also be yoga, tai chi, and Zumba demonstrations for those interested. 

The cycling, paddling, and walking events will begin at 10 a.m.  A 15-mile route through Old Louisville will be offered for cyclists.  Turnoffs will provide options for routes as short as two miles.  Paddling participants will launch their canoes or kayaks at the river ramp located at the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park.  Paddlers can drop off their boats at the "Green" parking lot near River Road and Witherspoon from 7:30-9:30 a.m.  People without a boat may reserve one in advance by contacting River City Canoe and Kayak at 210-7626 or info@rcckonline.com.  The hiking route, which is wheelchair-accessible, will explore eastern sections of Waterfront Park.  Walkers can bring dogs to participate in the hike, but must keep their dogs on a leash and pick up waste as required by law.  There will be water stops along the cycling and hiking routes.

For more information, please visit www.hikebikeandpaddlelouisville.com.