Report Cites Traffic Concerns Near Preferred VA Hospital Site

The federal government is likely to move ahead soon with purchasing property on Brownsboro Road to build Louisville’s new VA hospital. But first, officials are waiting for the completion of an environmental assessment later this month.The assessment covers more than a dozen direct, indirect and cumulative effects the hospital will have on the area near the I-264 interchange. This includes environmental, cultural, and geological issues. The public will have a chance to comment on the report until April 29, and VA’s Bob Morey said he expects the property to be purchased within a month.“As soon as they finish up the public comment process, they address any legitimate concerns that were raised as part of the evaluation, then the report is finalized," he said.The report did find congestion issues, which nearby residents argue are significant, but that’s not likely to detour the purchase as modifications to roads are expected to relieve some traffic, said Morey.The VA also considered relocating downtown, closer to many other medical centers. But after seeking veteran’s opinions, officials said the Brownsboro Road location is preferred.A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at Kammerer Middle School.