Louisville Metro Councilwoman Josie Raymond announced new traffic‑management measures for the popular holiday attraction Lights Under Louisville, which runs in the Mega Cavern through Jan. 2. The goal is to keep families from getting stuck in gridlock while they travel to see the underground light displays.
Expanded traffic‑control resources
During peak evenings, the Mega Cavern will station additional off‑duty officers to direct vehicles and keep traffic flowing on nearby streets. The officers will work with Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) traffic captains to monitor the flow of cars entering and exiting the venue.
Neighborhood hotline for residents
To give nearby residents a direct line for assistance, the attraction is launching a dedicated hotline. On high‑traffic days, anyone who needs help accessing a driveway or street can call or text (502) 755‑7131 to reach the on‑duty traffic captain.
Timed‑entry tickets to spread demand
Raymond said the cavern will test a timed‑entry ticket system on a Saturday this season. By assigning specific entry windows, the attraction hopes to smooth the flow of cars and reduce long lines at night. “If your family is planning a trip to Lights Under Louisville, it’s just as cool at 9 a.m., noon or 2 p.m., and you might avoid the long lines at night,” she explained.
Early‑opening hours for families
On select days the cavern will open as early as 8:30 a.m., giving families another opportunity to enjoy the lights while potentially avoiding the evening rush. The attraction remains dark underground, so visitors are reminded to bring flashlights or use the venue’s low‑light pathways.
New “New Year’s Bash” experience
Starting Dec. 27, Lights Under Louisville will add a special “New Year’s Bash” experience, featuring extra decorations and family‑friendly activities to ring in 2027. The addition is part of the venue’s effort to keep the holiday spirit alive while managing crowd size.
Councilwoman Raymond emphasized that the traffic‑relief steps are a partnership between the Mega Cavern, the Metro Council and LMPD. “It’s incredibly frustrating to want your family to come over for a holiday party, or to be trying to leave your driveway to celebrate the holidays and to be stuck in traffic,” she said. The new measures aim to protect that family‑time by keeping the surrounding neighborhoods moving.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, use the hotline if needed, and consider the early‑opening windows to enjoy the lights with fewer cars on the road. With these steps, Louisville hopes to keep holiday celebrations joyful and traffic‑free.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
