The ongoing construction on U.S. 42 and I-264 continues to cause traffic issues along parts of Brownsboro Road, affecting not only commuters but also the revenue of many small businesses.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Construction work on U.S. 42 and I-264 continues to make it difficult for people to travel through sections of Brownsboro Road.
Drivers aren’t the only ones dealing with the impact.
The project began last year with a $130 million budget.
As construction moves into a new phase, it is significantly affecting the earnings of many small businesses.
Step inside Kentucky Blooms and you’ll see derby décor, carefully selected home goods, pet treats, and uniquely styled flowers.
However, reaching the shop has become the real challenge.
If you live near Rudy Lane and Brownsboro, you already understand the situation.
Kim Goldstone opened Kentucky Blooms just over a year ago as her first physical store, growing it from a floral business she previously operated from her home.
“I moved to Louisville three years ago… I did that, built the business out of my house until it took over the house,” Goldstone said.
Roughly 60 days after opening, officials announced the construction project. She had no prior knowledge of it when she signed the lease.
Since then, she has faced ongoing struggles to keep her floral business running.
“It just shifts every so often,” Goldstone said. “They’re like, okay, now this is happening. And we’re like, ugh. But it’s usually not for the better.”
Signage encouraged drivers to avoid the area, while increasing congestion further reduced foot traffic.
“The traffic is way reduced and just makes it really, really hard,” Goldstone explained.
Earlier this week, the situation worsened when phone and internet services went down—both essential for running her business.
“At the beginning of this week, all of us here in this center had come in to no phones or internet. And we’re already, you know, crippled,” she said.
In response, Goldstone has focused on what she can control—boosting deliveries, encouraging online orders, and maintaining a distinctive in-store experience.
About half of her flowers come from local growers, with farmers arriving in box trucks and allowing her to personally select what she needs.
This gives her access to unique inventory that other florists may overlook or never receive.
“It’s really an artist studio… whatever you need made, we make it,” Goldstone said.
The construction is expected to continue until fall 2027, and Goldstone is working hard to ensure her business remains open until then.
“I feel like if we can get the word out… we can make it and thrive,” Goldstone said. “And then in fall of 2027, it’ll go from being really awful to the prime place to be.”
For now, she has one request—don’t avoid the area. Come visit her shop.
Kentucky Blooms is located at 4802 Brownsboro Center.
The shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on Sundays.
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