The construction phase on a project to transform a section of Paducah’s riverfront in historic downtown Paducah begins Thursday, November 21 as the contractor for the City of Paducah will be mobilizing equipment and installing fencing. The Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project also known as the BUILD Grant project has a scope that includes a riverboat excursion pier, transportation enhancements, and improvements to the river side of the floodwall between the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center and Broadway.
On Thursday, crews with Jim Smith Contracting, Inc. will install construction fencing on the river side of the floodwall in a general area between the floodwall opening on North 2nd Street and the floodwall opening on Executive Boulevard. In addition to site preparation, this area will be an equipment storage and staging area for the contractor.
This closure will not affect access to the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront, Walker Hall, the Convention Center complex, or the transient dock. However, this closure will limit access to certain areas of the riverfront.
- The Harrison Street floodwall opening will be a construction entrance only and closed to the general public.
- The floodwall openings at Executive Boulevard and at the intersection of North 2nd Street and Madison Street will be open to the public.
- The Greenway Trail along the riverfront will remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Vehicular traffic will not be permitted to drive along the riverfront between the transient dock area and the parking area behind the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront.
Please note that as the contractor and subcontractors work to improve Paducah’s riverfront, there will be additional areas that will require closures. The entire construction project is expected to take 18 to 24 months. Please use caution, watch for the work crews, and respect any barriers or fencing placed in the work zone.
Project Background: In 2019, the City received notification that it would be receiving a $10.4 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant administered through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to improve the riverfront. In June 2024, the City accepted a $3.5 million appropriation for the project outlined in House Bill 1 as approved during Kentucky’s legislative session. This summer, the project was placed out to bid with Jim Smith Contracting submitting a valid bid. After negotiations to determine cost-cutting measures, the City approved an approximately $20.4 million contract with Jim Smith Contracting on November 12, 2024.
Learn more by visiting BUILD Grant.
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