What is Vision Zero Louisville, and What Are They Working on Next?
March 20, 2025
What is the Vision Zero Approach?
Since July of 2022, improvements to Louisville roads have been taking place under the Vision Zero program. Vision Zero Louisville is a transportation safety initiative managed by Louisville Metro Public Works and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that aims to have zero roadway fatalities by 2050. Through federal grants and adhering to the United States Department of Transportation’s Safety System Approach, project crews have been working for many years to reduce traffic fatalities in Louisville with a multi-level approach to road safety and education.
In The Article
Who is Behind Vision Zero?
Leah Shahum is the founder and executive director of Vision Zero. Her decades of research and application helped her formulate strategies utilized in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Here, in the United States, Vision Zero is being utilized by many major cities and funded with federal grants to ensure that transportation safety meets the needs of both drivers and pedestrians.
Which Streets Will Vision Zero in Louisville Focus on in 2025?
In March of 2025, you may see more construction and designs on the rise around Louisville. Right now, project teams are asking for YOUR input on how to make Berry Boulevard and Crums Lane safer over the coming months and years.
According to Louisvilleky.gov, “The project includes rightsizing and other safety improvements for 10 corridors in Louisville. The project is funded by a $21 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.”
What is Rightsizing for Transportation Safety?
Rightsizing is a roadway strategy that helps reduce speeds and multiple lane changes (weaving), and it is used to help calm or reduce traffic. It is also known as “road diet” or “roadway reconfiguration.” According to the Federal Highway Administration, rightsizing is a proven safety countermeasure.
Louisville Berry Boulevard (US 60A) Project
According to Palmer Engineering, Berry Blvd in Louisville, from Manslick Rd to Taylor Blvd., saw 459 total crashes from 2013-2017, with 7 total pedestrian crashes.
To reduce the risk of accidents in this corridor, the proposed plan is to add an additional two-way left turn lane in the commercial section of this corridor and widen the parking lanes in the residential section of this corridor.
In addition to the lane changes Berry Blvd, they are reviewing the quality of bus stops for pedestrians, and according to Palmer Engineering, “there are plans to add shelters at both Georgetown Plaza and Continental Plaza. Bus stop removal may also be recommended if there is no longer a need for a bus stop.”
The Powell Avenue Intersection also has a full signal rebuild proposed to replace the existing signals and adding pedestrian signals that will improve visibility.
This project is still in early planning stages, and your input matters. Fill out the Berry Boulevard survey to ensure your voice is heard. As of right now, the project is set to break ground in Spring of 2026.
Louisville Crums Lane (KY 2049) Project
According to Palmer Engineering, Crums Lane in Louisville, from Cane Run Rd to Cheviot Dr., saw 166 total crashes with 2 pedestrian crashes from 2013-2017.
The proposed plan to reduce accidents and boost pedestrian safety in high-risk areas of the corridor includes a hardened median to control left turns and passively direct traffic entering or exiting commercial areas.
Additionally, the Cheviot Drive intersection has proposed curb bump-outs to help reduce the pedestrian crossing distance and provide access management to one of the gas station entrances. This will help drivers see the edge of the roadway better.
To reduce speeds and prevent vehicles from passing using center turn lanes, Palmer Engineering is also proposing small sections of raised medians.
Other improvements to this corridor could include repaving bus paths, replacing sections of the sidewalks, and trimming the trees to improve sight distance.
The Crums Lane Project is set to break ground in late 2025 or early 2026. While they are in the planning stages, your voice can be heard. Fill out the Crums Lane survey to ensure project teams have all of the information you think they need during the planning stages.
Why Does Transportation Safety Matter?
Car wrecks in Louisville caused by acts of negligence are avoidable. Reducing human error in accidents can be done in many ways, including education, but it can also be done with passive barriers and increasing visibility. The Vision Zero project in Louisville is an all-inclusive strategy to create roadways that help reduce human error, thereby reducing accidents and pedestrian accidents.
