Sign our petition to prevent the next avoidable tragedy on Highway Avenue
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For years, residents have asked for speed control and stop signs on this busy road—without action. On July 30, 2025, our neighbor Shaun Ewing (42) was struck on Highway Avenue, just north of Spring Street, and later died from his injuries. We believe this tragedy was preventable.
Despite KYTC’s measures, including lane narrowing, speed-limit signs, and parking removal—
speeding has not been curbed.
The City of Covington has been supportive and listened to our concerns, but the road is not their jurisdiction. We trust this tragedy will prompt KYTC District 6 to develop and implement a plan that addresses residents’ safety concerns. Our voices matter: we’re calling on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to help fix these dangerous conditions.
We must prioritize safety over speed.
Collisions & Injuries on Highway Avenue are on the rise
Highway Avenue Collisions
source: www.crashinformationky.org
Highway Avenue Injuries & Fatalities
source: www.crashinformationky.org
Let's prevent another tragedy.
These are the questions we ask KYTC to answer:
Failed Measures
Sign-map.mp4If narrowed lanes, 25 MPH signs and the removal of residential parking have not yet solved the ongoing danger of speeding drivers on Highway Avenue, then what will?
Forced to Jaywalk
Gate_video.mp4Why are residents and visitors to our city forced to jaywalk across a busy avenue in order for them to enter or exit the Riverfront Commons Trail? Why isn't there a crosswalk?
Detour Entrance
No-update.mp4The current RC Trail entrance will be closed during construction, why haven't plans been shared to illustrate where the new Detour Entrance will be located?
Driving Blind
Spring Street.mp4Highway Avenue curves with the hill. Drivers from Wright Street and Spring Street who plan to turn onto Highway Avenue are at a dangerous disadvantage because of the inability to see oncoming traffic. As a result, drivers have no choice but to blindly inch-out into the road, forcing all vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid collision.
What can be done to increase safety and peace of mind?
Let's demand KYTC take effective measures.
The Proposed Safety Measures
(1) Install emergency-friendly speed cushions on Highway Avenue to reduce vehicle speeds.
(2) Convert the Wright & Spring intersection to an all-way stop with “Stop Ahead” warnings.
(3) Build an ADA-compliant RC Trail entrance & high-visibility crosswalk aligned to that entrance.
(4) Work with TANK to build a Bus Stop Bulb-out (elongated curb extension) next to the crosswalk.
🚌 🚌 School bus drivers said they'd appreciate a stop sign on Highway Avenue.
Why these measures work
1) Speed cushions
Purpose: Reduce approach speeds on Highway Avenue so drivers can stop in time and share the road safely.
How they work: Low, segmented humps that slow typical cars while allowing wider-axle emergency vehicles to pass with less delay.
Benefits: Self-enforcing 24/7; effective at curbing the “racetrack” feel; compatible with neighborhood streets; quick to install and adjust.
Notes: Place on the approaches to the Wright & Spring Y-junction; pair with reflective markings for visibility at night and in wet weather.
2) All-way stop at Wright & Spring
Purpose: Create a controlled, predictable crossing node where drivers must stop and yield.
How it helps: Cuts angle/speed conflicts at the Y-junction; sets clear priority; enables safe, short pedestrian crossings.
Add-ons: Stop bars, “Stop Ahead” signs, as well as wayfinding and highlighting the corner TANK bus stop.
3) ADA-compliant RC Trail entrance + aligned crosswalk
Purpose: Give neighbors and visitors a legal, accessible trail entrance where they actually travel—at Wright & Spring—so they aren’t forced into risky mid-block crossings.
How it helps: Aligns the crosswalk with the entrance (the “desire line”), supporting wheelchair/stroller users, and the high-visibility crosswalks increase compliance and sight recognition.
Construction note: Opening the concrete wall will require saw-cutting/removal and debris hauling; design the entrance with compliant slopes, landings, and detectable warnings.
4) TANK Bus Stop Bulb Out (elongated curb extension)
Purpose: Bulb Outs are curb extensions that are designed to both provide safety to bus passengers and slow drivers down.
Benefits: A Bulb Out provides additional space for bus passengers to board and alight without interfering with sidewalk flow. In NYC, public transit found that after bulb-outs were installed that four of six surveyed locations saw the overall severity rates for crashes were reduced, and the injury severity rates were also reduced. Bus drivers prefer it because they do not have to get out of traffic then back into traffic when loading and unloading passengers.
Notes: The Covington Community Liaison, Chris Brown, is coordinating a meeting with TANK to explore how to make the bus stop safer.
Let's unite to end preventable crashes on Highway Avenue (KY-8) with proven steps that slow drivers and protect people.
The purpose of the Botany Hills Neighborhood Association is to build a vibrant, inclusive, and safe community by fostering neighborly connections, supporting local initiatives, enhancing neighborhood safety, and preserving the area's unique character for the benefit of all residents.
We are grateful for your time and consideration!
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