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Nicholasville commission votes to make West Walnut two-way to ease access to sheriff's office
Summary
After discussing narrow road widths, parking impacts and signage, the Nicholasville City Commission approved changing West Walnut Street from one-way to two-way between Main and Second streets, directing staff to measure the narrow points and plan signage and public education.
The Nicholasville City Commission voted Oct. 14 to change West Walnut Street from a one-way to a two-way roadway between Main Street and Second Street, after lengthy discussion about traffic flow, parking and pedestrian safety.
The measure grew out of a request cited by mayoral staff as coming from Sheriff Grimes to improve access to the sheriff's office. Staff reported the paved roadway width varies between about 10 and 11 feet and warned that turning movements will be "really tight for somebody who's turning left off the Main Street" unless parking and signage are adjusted. Commissioner Tim (staff) said the sheriff indicated willingness to forgo two parking spaces adjacent to the sheriff's building to make the change possible.
Commissioners debated options including removing parking on the north side of Walnut, maintaining "do not enter" markings, installing a 'stop here' sign for the sheriff's drive-through and adding a 'no left turn' control on Main to reduce conflict. "If it turns into disaster, you can always change it back," Mayor Carter said during the discussion, and commissioners asked staff to measure the narrowest sections of the street before permanent striping.
The motion to make West Walnut two-way was made, seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners directed staff to: measure the narrowest points to verify that lane widths meet minimums, plan signage (including 'stop here' or 'no left turn' signs) and prepare an informational video or social-media post explaining the change to downtown drivers. The commission did not set a final effective date at the meeting; staff said they will verify dimensions and return with implementation details.
The decision balances improved access to a public safety facility with the loss of a small number of downtown parking spaces and a short-term need for public education and targeted signage to reduce safety risks.
