Fixing SJ and RF transparency

Dear Supporter,

Thank you for the great response to our last email. Many of you contacted elected officials to ask that they consider our better, faster, cheaper alternative to the Bridges Project. If you haven't already, please Contact your elected officials. Most importantly, please contact your Metro Council person and State Representatives.

Our Study

We hope to release our study in the next few weeks. In addition to traffic feasibility, cost estimates and relevant national examples, the analysis will provide specific recommendations for fixing Spaghetti Junction.

Our consultants have spent countless hours redesigning SJ so that it:

• remains in the same basic footprint and utilizes existing roadways
• eliminates weaves by presorting traffic
• doubles ramp capacity to and from the Kennedy Bridge
• widens ramp geometry for improved throughput speeds
• provides access to the downtown street grid and Waterfront Parkway

Remember, River Fields' justification for the Downtown Bridge was that it was the ONLY way to fix Spaghetti Junction. It wasn't true in 1994 and it's not true today. 8664 can fix SJ without smothering downtown in concrete.

An independent voice about the Bridges Project

"I philosophically support much of what River Fields stands for, but its continued opposition to this project -- and insistence that building a downtown bridge will most benefit "Kentuckians" -- leads one to believe it's much more interested in itself than our entire region."

Read Bob Hill's recent column: 'Gubernator' promises and bridge projects

Taking the gloves off with River Fields and their tired strategies

We would rather spend our time talking about how Louisville can become the most livable city in the country, but River Fields' influence on our political process must be brought forward and overcome.

In our last email we explained how River Fields and the anti East End Bridge leadership at Downtown Development Corporation have promoted the Downtown Bridge as the alternative to the East End Bridge. This strategy along with their money and influence is responsible for the creation of the flawed "two bridge solution."

The bad news for River Fields is that the EE Bridge is currently to be built first. So now they are pushing a two-prong strategy:

• We must "accelerate" the Bridges Project
  What this really means is prioritize the downtown portion of the project so the East End Bridge will never be built. Keith Runyon, Editor of the CJ's Forum Section and husband of River Fields' Director Meme Runyon, included an editorial in Sunday's Forum that nicely encapsulates this messaging. Build now, pay less. It's the same message coming from the Mayor's office and his Build the Bridges Coalition, Vice Chaired by a past River Fields president.
• The entire project has gotten too expensive
  A recent River Fields' email titled "Bridges Project Tunnel Cost Escalates" ends "This is just the latest in what seems to be a series of never-ending cost escalation," said Barras. "That should be of great concern to everyone." What they fail to mention is that they are responsible for the $250M tunnel under the $2.5M estate.

We're willing to take on River Fields, but we need your continued support to do it. Please contact your Metro Council person and State Representatives.

Who supports the downtown bridge?

If you want to build the Downtown Bridge it means you want:

• Spaghetti Junction to expand to 23 lanes
• downtown to be a construction zone for more than a decade
• to spend $2.6 billion tax dollars
• to increase the average 32,000 trucks that drive through SJ everyday
• to widen I-64 by 50% over the Great Lawn

Seriously, who wants this other than our Mayor and River Fields?

Schedule a private group tour at Gallery 8664

Are you part of an association, group or club that would like to know more about 8664? We are now welcoming private tours at our downtown gallery. Call us today at 384-6484 or email info@8664.org to schedule a group tour. We have huge photographs and maps to help explain 8664 and discuss how it will impact our region.

We need your help!
Contact your elected officials
Donate today
To volunteer, contact Joe at info@8664.org.
Email us your ideas or suggestions

Thanks for your time and for keeping the faith.

Peace,

Tyler Allen and JC Stites
www.8664.org

Mission
To advocate for the revitalization of Louisville through the removal of Interstate 64 along the riverfront and the adoption of a transportation plan that will provide long-term benefits to the region's citizens, neighborhoods, environment and economy.