Louisville has received a significant boost in road safety funding, with $800,000 awarded in federal funds for various safety projects, as announced by Governor Andy Beshear.

This funding is part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which has previously supported initiatives like Louisville's two-way street conversion projects.

In addition to federal funds, Metro Government has allocated $200,000 for the Safe Streets initiative, further enhancing road safety efforts.

The funding will support the hiring of two new full-time staff members for the Vision Zero Louisville transportation initiative, significantly increasing dedicated program hours by 200% annually.

These new positions include a transportation planner focused on reducing vehicular speeds and an epidemiologist tasked with improving health outcomes from crashes.

Vision Zero is modeled after a U.S. Department of Transportation program and aims to enhance road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable populations like pedestrians and bicyclists.

As part of its initiatives, funding will be utilized to develop a 'Speed Management Plan' that prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, potentially including speed limit reductions and infrastructure improvements.

Work on the Speed Management Plan commenced in 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Vision Zero also plans to create a nonfatal crash database to assist local hospitals, EMS, and police in improving health outcomes from vehicle crashes.

To further enhance safety, a multidisciplinary board will be formed to review fatal crashes and recommend prevention strategies.

Other Kentucky recipients of Safe Streets funding include Elizabethtown, Danville, Henderson County, Boone County, London, and Versailles, which received varying amounts to support their own safety initiatives.