Kennedy Interchange Takes Shape
(May 2007) Work is steadily progressing on the design of the new Kennedy Interchange.
Kentucky Transportation Associates (KTA), the section design team, recently submitted
Mid-Level Plans for review by Community Transportation Solutions and the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet. This means that the design is about 45 percent complete
and plans indicating what property will be needed for right-of-way access and construction
work are not far off. The plans show the footprint, or outline, of the new
interchange.
Aesthetics
Significant progress has been made on designing the aesthetics of the interchange.
The shape of the piers and materials to be used on the underside of the roadway
has been established and approved by the Bi-State Management Team (BSMT).
Motorists and pedestrians will see elliptically shaped piers with many locations
having integral pier caps that are not as visible as a traditional cap. Usage
of this type of pier cap will allow KTA to utilize fewer piers throughout the interchange.
This pier shape and cap were preferred by the Kentucky Historic Preservation Advisory
Team and the Area Advisory Team for the Kennedy Interchange.
Underneath the roadway, KTA is utilizing steel and concrete box girders. This
creates a smooth, uncluttered view and eliminates roosting spots for birds.
The clean look of the boxes was favored by stakeholder groups and the public.
Another recommendation of the stakeholder groups approved by the BSMT includes the
selection of interstate lighting and signage design. The supports feature
a rounded shape and, where possible, the lights for either side of the highway will
come from a shared pole in the median.
Access
As recommended in the Butchertown Historic Preservation Plan and the Downtown Development
Corporation study, additional north-south access points between Butchertown and
the future public space where the existing interchange lies will be incorporated
into the design of the new interchange. Clay and Campbell streets will be
extended through the I-64 area. Bridges will be designed and constructed on
I-64 to allow for an extension of Buchanan and Adams streets into the future public
space north of the Kennedy interchange should the city decide to undertake that
construction.
KTA has completed the study to determine if two-way traffic is feasible on Mellwood
and Story avenues. The FEIS-mandated study determined that two-way traffic
is feasible only if Mellwood is widened and the I-64 ramps on Mellwood are relocated
to Story Avenue. This information has been submitted to the Bi-State Management
Team and they have determined that, at this point, these changes will not be included
in the Bridges Project. The FHWA has advised the City of Louisville that they would
be responsible for funding any further environmental, design-related, or construction
activities.
Noise
Potential noise walls were examined in various locations throughout the interchange,
but only one location satisfied the requirements for further study. It runs
from the intersection of the I-64 westbound exit ramp at Mellwood to the railroad
bridge in Clifton. A meeting was held May 24 in Clifton to begin the discussion
with the community. Further updates on this issue will be provided.