FAQs
What is the I-65 Central Corridor Project?
I-65 Central Corridor is a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to replace aging bridges on a heavily traveled corridor of I-65 between I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and the Muhammad Ali Boulevard interchange in downtown Louisville. A total of nine bridges will be replaced or rehabilitated. The project will improve safety, reduce maintenance costs, and support future traffic needs, serving generations to come.
What portion of I-65 will close and when?
A five-mile section of Interstate 65 closed between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and downtown Louisville (Jefferson Street) early Monday, June 1. It’s expected to reopen to traffic on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Will the entire five-mile section be closed for the duration of the closure?
No. A two-mile section of southbound I-65 reopened to two lanes of traffic Sunday, June 28. It stretches from University Boulevard to the Watterson Expressway (I-264). Reopening this section of roadway reopens four ramps: Crittenden Drive on and off ramps and the on-ramps from Eastern Parkway and University Boulevard to southbound I-65.
What is the signed detour for the closure?
During the closure, through traffic will be detoured to I-264 (Georgia Davis Powers Expressway) on the west side of Louisville. Detour routes were developed based on extensive traffic studies done over the past two years. The signed detour route is the shortest distance, utilizes roadways with the most available capacity, and creates the least traffic impacts.
How will traffic access or exit downtown Louisville?
Traffic accessing downtown Louisville will use the Jefferson Street exit from southbound I-65. Traffic will also be able to access downtown Louisville via I-64. Traffic leaving downtown will use the ramp from East Liberty Street to access northbound I-65.
Are additional accommodations being made for rerouted traffic?
Some ramps to and from I-264 (Watterson Expressway) are being temporarily widened to help accommodate additional traffic during the closure. This includes the ramp to southbound I-65 from eastbound and westbound I-264, the ramp from northbound I-65 to eastbound I-264, and the eastbound I-264 ramp to the eastbound I-264 collector distributor near the airport.
What improvements will be made during the closure?
Work is underway on the I-65 bridges over Kentucky Street/Brook Street, Hill Street/CSX Railroad/Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue near the fairgrounds. Crews will make significant progress during the closure, demolishing and rebuilding part of the new deck of each bridge. The old structures have been removed, and new bridges are being built in their place. Sidewalks will be reconstructed and improved, and modernized lighting will be installed under and adjacent to the new bridges.
Why do the bridges need to be replaced?
These bridges are at the end of their service life. Despite ongoing maintenance, all three bridges have an inspection rating of “poor.” These bridges were all built in the late 1950’s. They have been repaired and even reinforced. They need to be replaced. Doing so will serve the next generation of travelers for decades to come.
Why are you closing the interstate?
A temporary closure is the best approach for several reasons. The two-month closure significantly shortens the length of construction, saving more than a year of additional interstate restrictions and delays. In addition to significantly shortening the construction timeline, the temporary closure is the most efficient due to construction complexities, available funding, and the ability to address the three bridges in need of immediate improvements as quickly as possible. Construction constraints include the fact that some of the existing bridges are too narrow in some locations to safely try to shift multiple lanes of traffic to one side.
How can you ensure the work will be done in two months?
Crews made significant progress in advance of the June 1 closure. They constructed the substructures (foundations of the new bridges). They also assembled supplies and staged equipment. Crews began demolishing bridges on June 1 and started construction on new ones. Contractors are expected to reopen I-65 to two lanes of traffic in each direction on August 1. There are financial penalties if the full closure extends beyond the deadline.
Will restrictions continue after the closure this summer?
Yes. When the closure ends, I-65 will be open to two lanes of traffic in each direction through the end of the I-65 Central Corridor project. Work on the first three bridges being replaced is expected to be complete in March 2027. The closure this summer saves at least a full year of additional restrictions on the interstate.
Are more bridge improvements planned?
Yes. Six more bridges will be replaced or rehabilitated as part of the I-65 Central Corridor project.
Will those repairs mean an additional shutdown of the interstate?
No. Gov. Beshear has stated that he doesn’t want residents and visitors to Louisville to experience a second interstate closure. KYTC will identify the most efficient way to replace or rehabilitate the six additional bridges without a full interstate closure.
Why are only three bridges being addressed now?
Work is happening in a way that works for the dollars currently available and for work that can be completed during the two-month closure. These are the bridges most in need of immediate attention. Replacing the three bridges will cost around $150 million. That funding has been identified.
Are the bridges safe?
They’re safe, but they need to be replaced. They are at the end of their service life. They are monitored closely and inspected more frequently. They’re safe for use, but they need attention as quickly as possible.
How will people know a major interstate is closed this summer?
We are dialing up our communications efforts. We are talking to elected officials, businesses, convention and tourism officials, the trucking industry, emergency officials, and more. One of the best things we can do is arm folks with information on how to best prepare and plan for the closure. Extensive signage will be in place letting drivers know about the closure.
How much will the project cost?
The total investment of the I-65 Central Corridor project is expected to be around $370 million. That commitment is seen in KYTC’s six-year Highway Plan.
When will the project be complete?
Work on the first three bridges being replaced is expected to be complete in March 2027. The project completion date will be updated once an approach to rehabilitate or replace six additional bridges is identified. The new bridges will have a service life of 75 years. The work happening now will serve the community for decades to come.
How can I stay up to date on project information and traffic news?
Project information and updates can be found at I65CentralCorridor.com. While on the site, users can sign up to have project and traffic updates delivered to their inboxes or by text to their phones.
Project updates are shared on KYTC District 5 (D5) Facebook and X pages.
