Transportation officials are studying a significant redesign for the Clark Memorial Bridge that could permanently reduce traffic lanes down from four lanes to three lanes while widening space for vehicles.
In a shocking proposal, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) state that the project would repair steel components and improve safety on the nearly century-old span linking downtown Louisville with Jeffersonville.
One concept under consideration would reduce the bridge’s four lanes to three: one southbound lane into Louisville and two northbound lanes heading into southern Indiana. According to officials, the redesign would enable lanes to be widened from approximately 9.5 feet to approximately 11 feet, providing drivers with additional space and possibly lowering collision rates.
As is typical of infrastructure constructed almost a century ago, the bridge does not currently have shoulders or emergency lanes. Despite the fewer lanes, transportation officials say the wider lanes could help enhance traffic flow and safety.
The proposed work is expected to address steel deterioration discovered during inspections and could help restore the bridge’s normal weight-carrying capacity after recent restrictions were placed on heavier vehicles.
The bridge has seen an increase in traffic in recent years. Nearly 35,000 cars crossed the span every day in 2024, according to state data, a significant increase over traffic counts from the early pandemic years. Additionally, more drivers are using the toll-free crossing rather than the nearby tolled bridges, according to officials, which has led to an increase in crashes.
The redesign, if carried out, would be a part of an estimated $8 million project; however, according to transportation officials, specifics, including a construction schedule, are still being worked out.
This article appears in Feb 14-28, 2026.