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SubscribeThe Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) recently awarded a contract for rehabilitation of the Bernheim Bridge in Cherokee Park in Louisville. This bridge, also known as Bridge No. 8, crosses the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek.
This project includes waterproofing and repairing the concrete arch, resetting the railings, masonry repairs on the spandrel walls and railings and new asphalt pavement on the crossing.
KYTC is coordinating the bridge repairs with Louisville Parks and Recreation and Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
Construction is scheduled to begin this week. The bridge crossing via Beargrass Road from Park Boundary Road and Alta Vista Road will be inaccessible through the duration of the project. The Bernheim Bridge will reopen to traffic in late summer.
Several popular nearby park features, including Big Rock pavilion, parking and playground area, will be easily accessible during the construction period. A detour map can be viewed below.
Louisville Paving Company was awarded the $1.1 million construction contract. Marr Construction will be the subcontractor for the masonry rehabilitation of the historic bridge. Marr has worked on several other bridge restoration projects in Cherokee Park.
The Bernheim Bridge dates to 1928 and was named for Bernhard and Rosa Bernheim, who were members of the notable Bernheim family that includes Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, who founded the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest south of Louisville.
Another bridge in Cherokee Park on the Scenic Loop is scheduled for repairs later this year. These bridges are part of KYTC’s Bridging Kentucky program. Bridging Kentucky includes more than 1,000 state, county, and municipal structures that are rated in poor condition or have restricted weight limits. More than 70 of the bridges on the list are currently closed to traffic.
Each bridge will be addressed in the next six years, either replaced with a new structure designed to last at least 75 years or rehabilitated to extend its life by at least 30 years. Those with restricted weight limits will reopen to school buses, emergency vehicles, commercial trucks, as well as passenger vehicles.
The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for the District 5 counties is also available at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5.
Join Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation for cider and donuts to celebrate the completion of the Bonnycastle Hill restoration project in our beloved Cherokee Park! No need to RSVP—simply attend if your schedule allows. Contact Meghan Robinson with questions.
Thursday, November 8, 2018 | 9 to 10 am
Stegner Pavilion | Bonnycastle Hill in Cherokee Park
We are thrilled to share the new Stegner Pavilion, relocated basketball court, lit walking paths and reconfigured parking area with our vibrant community of park users.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy proudly thanks Louisville Parks and Recreation, the City of Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilman Brandon Coan, the Stegner Family and other generous donors to our Campaign for Extraordinary Parks for their partnership and support of this successful restoration project.
A new fall tradition will begin on Monday, October 29, as area residents will be able to enjoy use of the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park car-free and also attend the first-ever Hayride on the Hill, located at Baringer Hill from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. that day.
“We’re looking forward to our inaugural Hayride on the Hill event and are thrilled to welcome the community to one of Louisville’s most cherished Frederick Law Olmsted Parks,” said Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “This is a wonderful time of year and we can’t wait to celebrate Halloween with free family fun.”
“Hayride on the Hill is going to be a fun event for the whole family, and I can’t think of a more beautiful backdrop for it than the vivid fall colors in Cherokee Park,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation. “You can hop on the hayride at Baringer Hill, or ride your bike or stroll through the park all day without worrying about vehicle traffic. It’s going to be a great day.”
The Scenic Loop and various access points to it will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 29, and will reopen at 9 p.m. that same day. Access to Cherokee Golf Course will still be available via Alexander Road. Meanwhile, at Baringer Hill, the Hayride on the Hill event will include food, beverage and beer vending; free hayrides around the Scenic Loop; live music, face painting and member treat bags provided by Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
Rainbow Blossom is sponsoring this free family event, and The Comfy Cow and ValuMarket are the food and beverage vendors. “We appreciate Rainbow Blossom’s generous event sponsorship and continued support of Olmsted Parks Conservancy,” George said.
See the attached map for the event layout and to locate which entrances to the Scenic Loop will be closed to vehicle access on Monday, October 29.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks & Recreation have begun a $1,100,000 restoration project in the Bonnycastle Hill/Hogan Fountain area, one of the most active areas in Cherokee Park. To improve the area and provide a better park user experience, a picnic pavilion will be added in the southern area, the basketball court will be relocated, and other improvements include walking paths, and an upgraded parking area. The McCall shelter will remain in the area.
This popular area of Cherokee Park is named in honor of Mrs. Hattie Bonnycastle who donated the land to the city in the late 1800s. The Bonnycastle Hill area was included in the original plan for Cherokee Park by Frederick Law Olmsted. Sharing this area is the popular Hogan Fountain landmark, designed by Enid Yandell.
The Project is made possible by financial support from donors of Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Campaign for Extraordinary Parks including the Stegner Family, along with support from the City of Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilman Brandon Coan and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
Estimated completion will be Fall 2018.
