Official City Roundup: Health Advisories, Traffic Alerts, and Public Hearings

Public Notice: Severe Weather Awareness Week

Mayor Craig Greenberg has officially designated March 1–7, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Louisville. This coordinated effort aims to help residents prepare for seasonal threats including tornadoes, flash flooding, and damaging winds. Residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans, sign up for LENSAlert notifications, and identify a safe room in their homes. With spring storms approaching, the city emphasizes the importance of staying informed through local weather alerts and ensuring that emergency kits are fully stocked.

Health Advisory: Respiratory Illness and Varicella Monitoring

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has issued a high-priority health advisory due to a significant surge in seasonal illnesses across Jefferson County. Surveillance data confirms that influenza cases have surpassed 11,600 for the current season, with 45 documented outbreaks in congregate care and school facilities. Additionally, officials are monitoring an uptick in varicella (chickenpox) cases, with over 30 instances reported. Health officials urge the public to:

• Stay current on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Isolate immediately if exhibiting symptoms of respiratory distress or fever.
• Ensure individuals with chickenpox remain isolated until all blisters have fully scabbed over to prevent further contagion.

Legislative Notice: Planning Commission Public Hearing

A public hearing is scheduled for today, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. regarding a proposed data center project on Camp Ground Road. The session will take place at the Old Jail Building, located at 514 W. Liberty Street. The Planning Commission will hear testimony regarding the facility, which has recently seen adjustments to its site plan. This meeting is open to the public for both in-person attendance and remote participation through the city’s digital meeting platforms.

Infrastructure and Traffic Impacts

Public Works and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) remind motorists of the following active projects impacting local travel today:

• Rufer Avenue: The alleyway behind 1316 - 1518 Rufer Avenue is closed starting today, March 5, for retaining wall repairs. This closure is expected to last through March 27.
• Rudy Lane: The corridor remains closed to through-traffic between Brownsboro Road and Merrifield Road for water main relocation, with work continuing through mid-April.
• I-264/U.S. 42 Blasting: As part of the ongoing interchange improvement project, daily blasting operations are scheduled for approximately 2:00 p.m. today. Motorists should anticipate intermittent roadblocks and potential delays.
• Mockingbird Valley Road: Total closure remains in effect between River Road and Mellwood Avenue for bridge deck reconstruction.

Community Announcements

Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (District 8) invites residents to the grand opening of the expanded Surprise Lily Boutique and House of Colour today at 1386 Bardstown Road. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Additionally, the city is promoting a major Metro Government Career Fair scheduled for March 10 at Louisville Slugger Field, featuring over 70 open positions across various municipal departments.