Temporary fix could be permanent solution for big trucks in O'bo - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

Originally, city leaders created a detour for semi trucks to take them out of downtown Owensboro while Smothers park and Riverfront Crossing were being worked on. Leaders say the detour has been such a big hit that they want to keep it that way.

Residents say the feeling of downtown Owensboro has changed a lot this year with Smothers Park and Riverfront Crossing opening, there's actually people walking around downtown after 5:00 p.m. City officials say a big reason behind that was taking the semi-truck traffic off of Second Street.

"It's detoured around because of the construction," City Engineer Joe Schepers said.

 

"Personally, I think it's a nice thing. A nice touch to try to liven up the downtown," said Jeff Erb with Owensboro Grain. 

With Smothers park construction finished, Schepers is recommending keeping the heavy truck traffic off of Second Street permanently.

"Trying to turn the downtown core more pedestrian friendly where people feel more comfortable walking down the streets, have café seating," Schepers said.

"They couldn't have done it really easily with big trucks coming through," Erb said.

Downtown businesses like Owensboro Grain, which constantly have trucks around its business, support the change.

"It doesn't really hurt us. It is a win, win. We don't see it was a problem," Erb said.  

Schepers says the new route he's recommending is a little different than the current detour. Trucks will go west down Second Street, then left on Triplett, then right onto fifth Street. Instead of turning right on Frederica, they'll cross Frederica and will turn right onto Walnut Street then left back onto Second Street.

"We'll be converting Walnut from one way to two way, which will allow traffic to go north on Walnut," Schepers said.

Schepers hopes to have the new route in place this fall.