Prepare now for this summer’s temporary closure of I-65 in Louisville
Team Kentucky is investing in a better Interstate 65 in Louisville by advancing critical infrastructure improvements along the corridor through a planned temporary closure that will allow contract crews to accelerate the replacement of three key bridges. Two public meetings are scheduled to make sure that people have the information they need to prepare for the two-month closure.
Tuesday, May 5
DuPont Manual High School
120 W. Lee Street
Tuesday, May 12
Spalding University, College Center
812 S. Second Street
Both meetings start at 5:30 and end at 7 p.m. with a presentation at 6 p.m. The meetings will include information on why the closure is needed, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to best get around during the temporary closure. The meetings are an open house format and will offer the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with members of the Project Team.
To park at Manual High School, enter from W. Cardinal Boulevard or Second Street and enter at Door 22. To park at Spalding University, enter from S. Second Street and enter through the main entrance at College Center.
Special Accommodations
With advance notice, KYTC can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English-speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers or large print.
Should special accommodation be needed, please contact Berry Craig, public involvement specialist, at (270) 705-1640, or email berry.craig@parsons.com.
Project Overview
Five miles of I-65 are scheduled to close between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and downtown Louisville (Jefferson Street) by 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 1. I-65 is expected to reopen to two lanes of traffic on Saturday, Aug. 1.
A two-mile section of southbound I-65 is expected to reopen to two lanes of traffic by Wednesday, July 1. It stretches from University Boulevard to the Watterson Expressway (I-264). Reopening this section of roadway will reopen four ramps: Crittenden Drive on and off ramps and the on ramps from Eastern Parkway and University Boulevard.
Three Key Bridges Being Replaced
The I-65 bridges over Kentucky Street/Brook Street, Hill Street/CSX Railroad/Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue near the fairgrounds will be replaced. All three bridges were constructed in the late 1950’s as part of the original construction of the interstate. Accelerated work during the closure will save at least a year of additional restrictions and delays on I-65.
Crews will make significant progress during the closure, demolishing and rebuilding part of the new deck of each bridge. This will allow the bridges to reopen to two lanes of traffic in each direction when the closure ends in August. In addition to replacing the bridges, sidewalks will be reconstructed and improved, and modernized lighting will be installed under and adjacent to the new bridges.
Getting Around During the Closure
During the closure, through traffic will be detoured to I-264 (Georgia Davis Powers Expressway) on the west side of Louisville. The signed detour route is the shortest distance, utilizes roadways with the most available capacity, and creates the least traffic impacts.
The detour is the signed alternate interstate route taking through traffic around the closure to minimize impacts to local traffic. Local detours are not signed because of the many different beginning and end points. KYTC has a partnership with Waze providing the latest closure information to guide drivers along the most efficient route at the time of travel.
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., and the I-64 ramps will also be an option for drivers (Third Street and Ninth Street ramps).
Staying Informed
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.
