CLARKSVILLE, IN (April 10, 2024) – ‘Thunder Over Louisville’ will bring thousands of people to the Ohio River on Saturday, April 20th, but if you are heading to the show, make sure to check local road closures before you go. The biggest change in Clarksville for 2024 will be a complete closure of Riverside Drive from the 2nd Street bridge to the eastern edge of Ashland Park. The Town of Clarksville is currently working on a major reconstruction of the roadway including safe bike and pedestrian paths, additional on-street parking, new lighting, and better pedestrian crossings.
The project was originally scheduled to begin right after Thunder Over Louisville in 2023, but there were some major funding issues which caused the project to be delayed. Once the necessary funding became available, the project had to get underway immediately.
“We had every intention of completing this project without having any impact on ‘Thunder’, but it was unavoidable,” said Ken Conklin, Clarksville’s Communications Director. “We understand the construction will cause some frustration among our residents, but the final product will be worth it.”
Due to construction, there will be absolutely no access to Jeffersonville from Clarksville via Riverside Drive. Those who normally walk from one community to the other during the event will have to travel by car using the marked detours. Initially the town was going to try to have a pedestrian access through the construction zone, but emergency responders decided it would be too dangerous. Despite the closure though, Ashland Park will still be open and accessible from the west via Winbourne Avenue and Sherwood Avenue. Food vendors will also still be available in the park including the Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery.
“Our town staff will be doing everything we can to make this year’s ‘Thunder’ as pleasant and safe as possible,” said Conklin.
THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE ROAD CLOSURES
Riverside Drive Closed to ALL TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS from the 2nd Street Bridge to the eastside entrance to Ashland Park.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Roads Closing at 11:00am
– South Sherwood at Winbourne Avenue
– Smyser Avenue at the Floodwall
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Roads Closing at 6:00am
– South Clark Boulevard at Winbourne Avenue
– South Clark Boulevard at Beckett Street
– Montgomery Avenue at Virginia Avenue
– Montgomery Avenue at Sherwood Avenue
– South Clark Boulevard at Sherwood Avenue
– Harrison Avenue at Bailey Avenue
– Marriott Drive at Montgomery Avenue
– Winbourne Avenue at Riverside Drive
– Emery Crossing at Summer Place
– Emery Crossing at McCullough Pike
Roads Closing at 10:00am
– South Clark Boulevard at Main Street (Residents and Business Permits Only)
Roads Closing at 2:00pm
– South Clark Boulevard at Montgomery Avenue (Residents, Entry to VIP, Church, Handicap Parking Only)
Roads Closing at 4:00pm
– Smyser Avenue at the Floodwall
– South Sherwood at Riverside Drive
Roads Closing in the PM as Needed
– North Clark Boulevard at Brown Station Way
– Emory Crossing at McCullough Pike
The “Event Area” is the area starting at the east entrance to Ashland Park and extending west along Riverside Drive ending at the Interpretive Center. This includes all public park areas, flood walls, parking lots, and roads. In order to provide a fun and enjoyable Thunder Experience for everyone, the following rules will be strictly enforced in the “Event Area”:
No Alcohol
No Animals (See Service Animal Rules)
No Bicycles
No Motorcycles
No Mopeds
No Skateboards
No Rollerskates / Blades
No Unauthorized Golf Carts
No Glass Objects
No Grills
No Tents or Structures
No Flying Devices, Including Drones
All Bags, Coolers, Etc. are SUBJECT TO SEARCH in the event area. All Indiana State Laws and Clarksville Town Ordinances will be enforced, including the ban on the use of Alcohol, Drugs, Disorderly Conduct, or any other means of distracting from the enjoyment of the event by the general public.
Services Animal Rules:
All individuals requiring a service animal in the event area MUST be able to present their service animal REGISTRATION or CERTIFICATION paperwork. Individuals without the proper service animal credentials will be asked to leave the event area and return with the proper paperwork. Animals in training will not be allowed in the event area.