As the construction phase for the Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project continues, the City of Paducah has some safety reminders for the public.
The current work zone is on the river side of the floodwall between the floodwall opening on North 2nd Street and the floodwall opening on Executive Boulevard. The Greenway Trail is adjacent to this work area. Pedestrians and bicyclists are permitted to use the Greenway Trail; however, please use caution since an active construction site is adjacent to the trail.
However, vehicular traffic is NOT permitted on the Greenway Trail. Due to the construction boundaries, vehicles are NOT permitted to travel between the Convention Center complex and the transient dock area. Park Rangers and Paducah Police officers will be patrolling to ensure the safety of the public and the contractor’s crews.
For vehicular traffic, the floodwall openings at Executive Boulevard and at the intersection of North 2nd Street and Madison Street are open to the public. The Harrison Street floodwall opening is a construction entrance only and closed to the general public.
As the contractor and subcontractors work to improve Paducah’s riverfront, there will be additional areas that will require closures. Please use caution, watch for the work crews, and respect any barriers or fencing placed in the work zone.
Background: 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.
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.
In the summer of 2024, the City requested bids for the project. After negotiations to determine cost-cutting measures, the City approved an approximately $20.4 million contract with Jim Smith Contracting on November 12, 2024. Crews began mobilizing on this project, which is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months, on November 21, 2024.
Learn more by visiting BUILD Grant.
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