The construction project to improve vehicular access and traffic flow to the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center as part of the Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project will begin Wednesday, May 14. The Riverfront Improvement Project also known as the BUILD Grant project 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 the time since the construction commenced in November 2024, the construction work zone has been on the river side of the floodwall in the vacant area behind the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront hotel’s parking area and near the transient boat dock. Work is continuing in that area; however, crews will now begin transportation improvements at the intersection that includes the floodwall opening at Park Avenue and 5th Street.
The work beginning this week by Jim Smith Contracting includes reconfiguring that intersection to bolster safety and streamline vehicular movement. The work also includes crosswalks, signage, and sidewalks at the improved intersection. Another component is the addition of a multimodal pathway adjacent to the floodwall on the Convention Center side of the project. This will allow pedestrians and cyclists an easier and safer way to travel from the Park Avenue area toward the riverfront.
The intersection project is expected to take six weeks, weather-permitting. During the project, the public will not be able to access the Convention Complex from the entrance at Park Avenue and 5th Street. The public will be able to access the Convention Center through three locations: 1) the floodwall opening at 4th Street next to the Holiday Inn; 2) Campbell Street; and 3) the floodwall opening at Executive Boulevard. Please note that this project will not affect the flow of traffic out of downtown on Park Avenue (U.S. 60-Business).
As a reminder, the Harrison Street floodwall opening is a construction entrance only and closed to the general public. The Greenway Trail is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. However, vehicles are not permitted on the Greenway Trail, and due to the construction boundaries, vehicles are NOT permitted to travel between the Convention Center complex and the transient dock area.
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 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 about the BUILD grant.
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