Closure necessary as contractor advances on repairs to bridge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 16, 2023) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of the weekend closure of the bridge carrying Buechel Bypass (U.S. 31E/U.S. 150) over a set of railroad tracks in Jefferson County.

The bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, March 17, to 5 a.m. on Monday, March 20, between mile point 10.4 and mile point 10.5. That’s between the cross streets of Plaza Avenue and Hikes Lane. During the bridge closure, signs in the area will direct drivers to utilize Hikes Lane, Shepherdsville Road, Buechel Bank Road, and Progress Boulevard as the posted detour.

Various closures have been in place for the bridge since a February 2021 inspection found deterioration on one of the bridge’s pier caps. The repairs were initially delayed as KYTC, and the contractor sought approval from the railroad to work on the bridge section over the tracks. Last year, crews began working under the bridge, in an area not visible to motorists crossing the span. Those repairs have now advanced to a point where the weekend closure of the entire bridge is necessary. The repairs are expected to be completed in spring 2023.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.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 facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5.

After the windstorm hit our city Friday, the dedicated men and women of Metro Public Works quickly went to work and has diligently continued so for the past five days, working extended shifts to ensure that any of our city’s infrastructure that sustained storm damage is restored to normal operations. PWA’s various divisions, Roads & Operations, Electrical Maintenance, Solid Waste Management Services and support personnel have been working for our residents; respectively clearing roadways of trees and debris, restoring hundreds of traffic signaling devices to normal operation and assisting residents with storm debris disposal at our 7 debris drop-off sites. The work is ongoing, and our department will continue to work for as long as necessary.

Note: The Department of Public Works is not responsible for restoring utility power, whether gas or electric.

Here's a thank you message shared with us by an appreciative resident, “Thank you so much for the prompt response to clear obstruction from our street yesterday.  Metro and LGE crews were professional and friendly as well as demonstrated strict adherence to safety.   They worked diligently for hours to clear what appeared as a complex downed tree/utility poles/electric wires mess.  We greatly appreciate all of the hard work by these professionals last night!  - Highlands resident, Kathryn Voorhees.

 Here are some numbers as of Wednesday afternoon:

Electrical Maintenance

• Has addressed issues at 246 intersections over the last 5 days.
• Has recovered 232 intersections.
• There are 16 intersections outstanding, these are mostly due to power outages in the areas.
• Of the 16, 7 are without any physical damage and should come up on flash and return to service soon.
• The remaining 9 require additional repairs to the signal heads but most are superficial and shouldn’t require extensive downtime.

Roads & Operations

• 275 roadways tree/debris removal call for service 
• 237 completed
• 38 incomplete due to power line entanglement

SWMS

• Assisted 1,864 residents dispose of storm debris at our 7 drop-off locations

Controlling noxious weeds, invasive plants improves roadway visibility, protects infrastructure

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) crews will soon begin treating noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the state to improve driver safety and support efficient maintenance operations by limiting their presence. Property owners who are actively treating noxious weeds on private property may request highway crews to treat select nuisance weeds found on adjacent state-owned right of way.

The Cabinet targets 12 noxious weeds in accordance with KRS 176.051 and 603 KAR 3:100:

• Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
• Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
• Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
• Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus)
• Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
• Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
• Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
• Marestail (Conyza canadensis)
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
• Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)
• Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
• Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)

“If left untreated, some weeds can grow several feet tall and impact driver visibility,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Actively treating the weeds on state-maintained property enhances safety, prevents damage to ditches and drains and minimizes the presence of plants that attract deer near highways.”

Noxious weeds often invade and destroy the roadside turf grass, leaving these areas vulnerable to erosion. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long-term persistence.

Kentuckians who want to request weed treatment must submit a written application to their local KYTC highway district office. To request an application, please contact the appropriate district highway office. Contact information may be found on the district webpages listed here.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when crews spraying for weeds are out on the roadways.

Metro Council member Robin Engel (District 22) along with Council colleagues, a representative from the Mayor’s Office, the Miracle League of Louisville and WEHR Constructors will participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the latest improvements to Fern Creek Park.

“Twenty years ago we began investing in this park through improvements to many of the ball fields. About five years ago, we were approached by representatives from the Building Industry of Louisville and the newly formed Miracle League about a partnership to bring more inclusive facilities and athletic opportunities to the park. These efforts have led to the construction of a turf ballfield, fully accessible playground and now, new accessible restrooms and a pavilion.”– Metro Councilman Robin Engel, District 22

 “The Miracle League of Louisville is very excited for the opening of the new pavilions and renovated restrooms for our Miracle League ball players, their families and friends. We are extremely grateful for our dedicated partners, including Louisville Metro government, Councilman Robin Engel, Fern Creek Babe Ruth , Wehr Constructors, and so many others who are dedicated to this endeavor. Let’s play ball!”  - Shawn Freibert, Miracle League of Louisville

The ribbon cutting ceremony occurred this afternoon at Fern Creek Park (8703 Ferndale Road).  Attendees saw the new facilities as well as the impact the approximately $1 million in investments in the park has had in making Fern Creek Park one of the most welcoming parks in Louisville Metro. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet the Miracle League Mascot Homer as well as many of the other partners who have helped to make this project a success.

“One of our corporate core values is ‘WEHR Fun’, and what is more fun than watching children engage, learn, and grow through play? WEHR Constructors is humbled to have played a small part in supporting Miracle League of Louisville’s mission of removing barriers to children with mental and physical disabilities. We hope the continued improvements we are recognizing today continue to remove those barriers and make play - FUN!” - Shawn Woosley, CFO WEHR Constructors