Ken Smith City Manager | City of Covington
Ken Smith City Manager | City of Covington
The city of Covington, Kentucky, has commenced a project to reroute a state highway away from several densely populated neighborhoods. This initiative follows years of public input and planning, with the aim of enhancing safety in residential areas.
Riegler Blacktop is currently working on Scott and Greenup streets between 12th and 20th streets as part of the first phase of this conversion project. The changes will redirect the state route Ky. 17 to Madison Avenue, aiming to improve safety for residents in the Eastside, Helentown, Austinburg, and Wallace Woods neighborhoods.
City Manager Ken Smith expressed satisfaction with the project's progress: “Finally, this long-discussed and long-planned conversion is coming to fruition.” He emphasized that neighborhood leaders have been concerned about traffic volume and speed on these streets for some time.
Scott Boulevard and Greenup Street currently carry one-way traffic in opposite directions as a "couplet" for Ky. 17 from 20th Street to the Roebling Suspension Bridge across the Ohio River. In response to neighborhood leaders' requests dating back to 2016, the city collaborated with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on a plan to move Ky. 17 westward to Madison Avenue between 20th and 12th streets.
Assistant Public Works Director Bill Matteoli outlined details of the ongoing work: crews are fixing curbs along Scott and Greenup while preparing bases for new light poles on Madison. Upcoming tasks include installing ADA ramps where needed, adding new signage, performing curb work, resurfacing all three streets by summer, converting traffic signals into stop signs at certain intersections, and maintaining parking availability with minimal space loss.
Additionally, a separate resurfacing project under contract by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will begin this spring on Ky. 17 from Latonia Avenue near Mother of God Cemetery to Greenup Street.
The conversion project received $2.5 million from the Kentucky General Assembly during its 2022 session but costs have risen to $3.66 million due to required signal upgrades on Madison Avenue and state requirements for an on-site monitor. The state has agreed to cover these additional expenses.
This transformation originated from discussions among leaders within Covington's Eastern 4 neighborhood group—representing Austinburg, Helentown Levassor Park—and Wallace Woods—with goals focused on calming traffic improving safety expanding walkability increasing development opportunities within local business districts implementing longstanding objectives set forth by community representatives since at least as early as2016
In collaboration with Planning Development Services Kenton County hired by request study guide draft plan north-south corridors put before residents March open house attended approximately75 people Residents weigh proposals Draft similar one-way two-way conversions cities Louisville Cincinnati Charleston S.C others
Beyond addressing safety concerns Economic Development Director Tom West highlighted broader benefits: “We’re talking about better quality life place” He noted potential increased investment creation walkable bikeable environments supporting thriving businesses attracting homeowners improve properties enticing new residents rehabilitate abandoned dilapidated structures
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