Traffic Zone Flip Scheduled on South Main Street as Inside Lane Work Begins

The next stage of work on the City of Bowling Green's South Main Street Waterline Improvement and Paving Project is set to begin next week (Oct. 13-17) with a shift in the traffic pattern. Crews will begin milling and repairing the inside lanes and center turn lane. This change marks a significant step forward in the project's final phase, which began in late June 2025.

During this stage, left turns, within the work zone, will be available at select locations and one lane of traffic in each direction will continue to be maintained. Access to homes and businesses will remain open, although temporary restrictions may occur when crews are working directly in front of driveways. Temporary detours and short-term intersection closures may be required.

Current Progress

Crews have completed drainage work, concrete base repairs and the intermediate asphalt course on the outside lanes. Work on sidewalks, curbs and driveway apron replacements is complete, and the shared use path on the west side of South Main Street is fully paved. New traffic signal foundations and pedestrian beacon conduits have also been installed.

Next Steps

• Begin milling and concrete base repairs to the inside lanes and center turn lane following the traffic shift.
• Place the intermediate asphalt course on the inside lanes once repairs are complete.
• Move into final repairs, which includes paving the final asphalt surface, adjusting manholes and catch basins, striping, and installing new traffic signals.

While the contractor's schedule continues to target substantial completion by Nov. 12, final installation of permanent traffic signal equipment may extend beyond that date due to supply lead times. Temporary traffic control measures will remain in place until all equipment is installed.

Improvements at a Glance

This final phase builds on earlier waterline replacement work completed in 2024 and includes:

• Full repaving of South Main Street from Ordway Avenue to the southern corporation limit.
• Curb, sidewalk, and ADA ramp repairs.
• A new separated shared use path on the west side between Napoleon and Gypsy Lane.
• Road widening and dedicated left-turn lanes at the South Main/Napoleon intersection.
• Installation of two Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons between Gypsy Lane and Napoleon.
• Planting of approximately 80 new trees along the corridor.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the City's Capital Projects Map for updates on this and other infrastructure projects:
Capital Projects Map

The City of Bowling Green thanks the public for its continued patience and cooperation as we work to complete these much-needed improvements for the benefit of all roadway users.