The Ninth Street Underpass, affectionately known as the “Knot”, is a historic roadway that connects Louisville’s west end with Butchertown and downtown. It is an important regional connector for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. For more than 130 years, the Ninth Street Underpass has been an essential element in Louisville’s urban fabric – functioning as a key artery for those traveling between west Louisville neighborhoods and downtown. Unfortunately, traffic congestion, vehicle collisions, utility installation issues, and decades of unplanned urban growth have taken their toll on this iconic underpass. You can visit Louisville Knot at 8 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202. More about Louisville KY
What is the Louisville Knot?
The Louisville Knot is a proposal for a pedestrian and bicycle underpass that would transform the Ninth Street Underpass from a dangerous and underused shortcut into a more accessible and safer recreational route. Located in Louisville’s West Louisville neighborhoods, Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth Streets are part of the underpass. The knot would re-create the underpass through Sixth and Tenth Streets, anchoring the underpass in its present location while providing safe access points for pedestrians and cyclists throughout just about every other section of the underpass. The project will also restore ownership of public spaces along the underpass to local communities through more community-driven development.
Why is this underpass so important?
The Ninth Street Underpass is an essential regional connector for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. It provides a critical link to connected neighborhoods, downtown, and the University of Louisville. The Ninth Street Underpass is also an important element of Louisville’s urban fabric, functioning as a key artery for those traveling between west Louisville neighborhoods and downtown. Unfortunately, traffic congestion, vehicle collisions, utility installation issues, and decades of unplanned urban growth have taken their toll on this iconic underpass.
Limitations of the knot
– It would take time for the underpass to be fully operational. – It would require additional funding. – It would require an investment of many years of planning and design. – It would likely require a public-private partnership. – It would likely require voter approval. – It would likely require an increase in property taxes.
Conclusion
The Louisville Knot aims to re-create the Ninth Street Underpass by anchoring it in its present location while providing safe access points for pedestrians and cyclists throughout just about every other section of the underpass. The project will also restore ownership of public spaces along the underpass to local communities through more community-driven development. Click for more info
