Every weekday, Bardstown, KY faces an issue that impacts both the safety and convenience of its community. As a longtime resident and concerned parent, I witness the chaos on Bloomfield Road when Nelson County High School dismisses its students. The intersection near the Circle K becomes a hub of bustling activity, filled with teenagers eager to cross the road. Unfortunately, this urgency clashes with heavy traffic flow during factory shift changes and daily commuters trying to get home or to work.

The current system, which relies on students pressing the pedestrian crossing button repeatedly, disrupts traffic, leading to extended delays through multiple red lights. This situation is not only frustrating for drivers but poses a serious safety risk to young pedestrians who must navigate through a sea of vehicles. The statistics speak for themselves: pedestrian accidents account for 17% of all traffic-related deaths in Kentucky, per the Kentucky Transportation Center.

A pedestrian bridge offers a practical, effective solution. It would ensure the safety of students crossing from the school to the Circle K, uninterrupted by vehicular traffic. Moreover, it would ease congestion, providing a smoother traffic flow along one of Bardstown’s busiest roads.

Constructing this bridge would not only protect our children but also showcase Bardstown's commitment to community safety and efficient urban planning. Fundraising efforts could be combined with grants from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which supports the construction of infrastructure promoting safe routes for non-vehicle commuters.

Let's urge city planners, Nelson County officials, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to prioritize this project. Together, we can create a safer, more harmonious Bardstown for everyone. Sign this petition to demand action for a pedestrian bridge at Circle K near Nelson County High School, and help secure the safety and efficiency our community deserves.