Case Study: Louisville Metro Crosswalk Safety & Traffic-Calming Program

Project Overview

As part of Louisville Metro’s ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds in high-traffic areas, Lawrence & Associates Concrete Design partnered with the city to install bumpouts and implement lane-reduction striping near major crosswalks.

Using advanced ThermoLazer technology, this project combined precise thermoplastic striping with concrete bumpout construction to create safer, more visible, and better-defined pedestrian zones throughout the city.

Background

Louisville Metro identified several key intersections where pedestrian crossings were at risk due to wide lanes, long crossing distances, and high vehicle speeds. The city’s goal was to slow traffic and improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

To achieve this, Lawrence & Associates was brought in to execute concrete bumpouts — extensions of the curb into the roadway that narrow the street and calm traffic — paired with lane reduction and thermoplastic striping for clear, durable guidance.

Challenges

• Active Urban Environment: All work was performed in busy, high-traffic corridors with high volumes of pedestrian activity.
  
  
• Precision Requirements: Both the concrete bumpouts and ThermoLazer striping demanded exact measurements to align with Louisville Metro’s design and traffic engineering standards.
  
  
• Durability & Visibility: Striping needed to be highly reflective, long-lasting, and clearly visible in all weather conditions.

• Public Safety Coordination: Maintaining safe pedestrian access and traffic flow during construction was a key logistical challenge.

Our Approach

The success of this initiative depended on close coordination with Louisville Metro Public Works, traffic engineers, and suppliers, and on Lawrence & Associates’ ability to deliver both structural concrete and advanced pavement marking solutions.

• Integrated Construction & Striping: Our team built the concrete bumpouts, installed new curbing, and applied ThermoLazer thermoplastic striping for lane reductions and pedestrian delineation.
  
  
• Traffic-Calming Design Execution: Each bumpout was positioned to reduce lane width, slow turning speeds, and shorten crosswalk distances — improving visibility between drivers and pedestrians.
  
  
• Precision Striping with ThermoLazer Technology: The ThermoLazer machine allowed for high-performance, reflective thermoplastic markings that can withstand heavy urban traffic and weather exposure.
  
  
• Safety & Coordination: Work was completed with continuous communication between city traffic engineers, field crews, and inspectors to ensure safety and minimal disruption.

Results

• Improved Public Safety: Reduced vehicle speeds and clearer crosswalk visibility in targeted corridors.
  
  
• Pedestrian Confidence: Increase visibility of crosswalks.
  
  
• Enhanced Traffic Flow: Lane reduction and striping design improved intersection organization and reduced conflict points.
  
  
• Durable Infrastructure: Thermoplastic markings and reinforced bumpouts provide long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
  
  
• Positive City Partnership: The collaboration strengthened Louisville Metro’s trust in Lawrence & Associates as a reliable, adaptable public safety partner.
  

Why This Project Matters

This project underscores Louisville Metro’s commitment to pedestrian safety — and highlights Lawrence & Associates’ ability to support that mission with innovative equipment, experienced crews, and collaborative execution.

By combining concrete craftsmanship with advanced thermoplastic striping technology, we helped create safer, smarter crosswalks that will serve Louisville residents for years to come.