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National Park Service, state and city staff outline multi‑phase plan to extend Paducah Greenway
Summary
City staff and partners presented a two‑phase plan to extend the Greenway into Paducah’s South Side, supported by public input emphasizing safety, shade, restrooms and protected bike lanes; next steps include issuing an RFQ for engineering and coordinating with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Paducah city staff and partners presented a multi‑phase plan on Aug. 12 to extend the Greenway from the riverfront into the South Side, combining on‑street bike lanes and a “complete street” redesign of Ivan Cobb to improve safety and connect neighborhoods to jobs and services.
The plan, developed with assistance from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program, divides the project into two phases: Phase 1 from the Riverfront to Bridal Street using on‑street protected lanes where feasible, and Phase 2 converting Ivan Cobb into a complete street to provide separated space for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
The National Park Service landscape architect Russ Clark told the commission the planning effort included 12 planning meetings, two public meetings, seven focus groups and an online survey that drew 435 responses. Safety topped respondents’ concerns, with 50 percent citing safety as their primary issue; other priorities were restrooms, water stations and shade trees. Clark said 48 percent of respondents favored the Phase 1 alignment and asked for protected bike lanes where possible; Phase 2 received 67 percent support in follow‑up outreach.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project development manager Austin Hart said the Cabinet has been part of the steering committee and is preparing cost estimates and right‑of‑way reviews for Ivan Cobb. Hart said a separate lane‑diet project on Kentucky Avenue (awarded to Jim Smith Contracting) will begin construction in the spring and that, if the Ivan Cobb work can remain on state‑owned right‑of‑way, it could be accelerated to about 18 months; otherwise, he estimated a two‑ to three‑year planning and delivery timeline.
City staff recommended issuing a request for qualifications for preliminary engineering, cost estimating and phasing; coordinating with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; pursuing funding; and proceeding to final engineering and construction. Clark recommended updating the city’s bike‑and‑pedestrian master plan and engaging the Purchase Area Development District to study regional connectivity.
Commissioners and staff discussed potential crossings over rail lines and the levee; Clark suggested an elevated crossing near the Hardee’s/Clarks River Road area to avoid at‑grade railroad conflicts. Hart said the Cabinet will continue to work with the city and engineering consultants to refine alignments and costs.
The commission approved a municipal order on the consent agenda that directed engineering to release an RFQ for design, engineering and construction administration for Greenway Trail South Side expansion (Greenway Trail Phase 7).
