Louisville Will Convert Streets to Two-Way Traffic

The city plans to transform three key one-way streets into two-way roadways starting on October 7, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Other — General

A wide, empty city street in Louisville lined with historic brick buildings and street trees under clear daylight. — Louisville officials plan to convert Chestnut Street, River Park Drive, and Muhammad Ali Boulevard to two-way traffic starting October 7, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support converting one-way streets to two-way traffic in your community to improve safety?

Louisville officials are set to begin converting Chestnut Street, River Park Drive, and Muhammad Ali Boulevard to two-way traffic on October 7, 2026. This transition spans the area from Ninth Street to Southwestern Parkway.

Why it matters

The city aims to slow traffic speeds and reduce crash severity, while also improving emergency response access and local business visibility. The changes are intended to simplify navigation and enhance public transit route efficiency.

The conversion project carries a total price tag of approximately $25 million. A $15.6 million federal grant is covering a portion of the costs for the infrastructure updates.

The players

Reimagine Ninth Street

This is a long-term urban planning effort designed to restructure major corridors in Louisville to improve safety and accessibility.

The details

Crews will begin the process by removing existing markings at Ninth Street before moving west, applying new two-way signage and lane designations one side at a time. This initiative is a central component of the broader Reimagine Ninth Street effort launched in 2021.

The conversion project was first announced in 2021.
Initial utility work and intersection stop conversions began in Summer 2025.
Two-way traffic conversions are scheduled to begin on October 7, 2026.
The final design phase for Ninth Street revisions should finish by late November 2026.
Construction to narrow the current six-lane Ninth Street is expected to start in Summer 2027.

The Big Picture

The street conversions are a critical phase of the Reimagine Ninth Street urban planning initiative. This work follows the broader trend of converting city-center thoroughfares from high-speed, one-way paths into multi-modal streets that prioritize local safety and accessibility.

Drivers and local commuters should anticipate traffic patterns to shift significantly along Chestnut Street, River Park Drive, and Muhammad Ali Boulevard starting October 7, 2026. Residents can expect ongoing construction work through the remainder of the year as crews finalize lane markings.

The takeaway

The transition to two-way traffic is designed to create a more balanced environment for pedestrians, transit riders, and motorists alike. Local residents and business owners should monitor city announcements for specific block-by-block construction impacts.