Final Phase of South Main Street Improvements Continues with Significant Progress on Road Repairs

Roadway repairs and infrastructure upgrades are advancing as the City of Bowling Green continues work on the final phase of the South Main Street Waterline Improvement and Paving Project, which began in 2024.

This final phase, launched in late June 2025, includes a full repaving of South Main Street from Ordway Avenue to the southern corporation limit, along with a series of critical improvements designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall travel experience for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Current Progress
Crews have completed drainage work, milled the outside lanes to the existing concrete base, and performed concrete base repairs to the outside lanes. Driveway apron and curb replacements are underway. Paving of the intermediate asphalt course on the outside lanes began this week.

The shared use path excavating, grading, and paving is complete. Concrete work will soon shift to replacing drive aprons on the west side of the street. Meanwhile, foundations for new traffic signals have been placed, and conduits have been bored under the road at pedestrian beacon locations.

Next Steps

• By early October, traffic will shift to the outside lanes while crews mill and repair the inside lanes and turn lane. Left turns will be prohibited during this stage.
• Following these repairs, the intermediate asphalt course will be placed, leading into Phase 2, which includes paving the final asphalt surface, adjusting manholes and catch basins, striping, and installing new traffic signals.
• While the contractor's schedule anticipates substantial completion by November 12, permanent traffic signal installation may extend beyond that date due to equipment lead times. Temporary measures will remain in place until final equipment is installed.

Challenges and Adjustments
The project schedule was adjusted to account for unexpected conditions, including deteriorated concrete base near the curbs, shallow rock layers, and a gas main with insufficient cover near Napoleon Road. The gas line is currently being relocated to allow crews to complete curb and drive work in that area. These challenges were addressed quickly in coordination with utility partners, and fewer base repairs are anticipated in upcoming phases.

Improvements at a Glance
This phase builds on the earlier waterline replacement work completed in late 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 of South Main between Napoleon and Gypsy Lane
• Road widening and installation of 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

Traffic Impacts During Construction

• One lane of travel in each direction will remain open throughout the project.
• Access to homes and businesses will be maintained, though temporary closures may occur when crews are working directly on driveways.
• Temporary detours and short-term intersection closures may be required.

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 patience and cooperation as we work to complete these much-needed improvements for the benefit of all roadway users.