The planned summer shutdown of Interstate 65 through downtown Louisville is now just over two months away.
Five miles of I-65 will close between Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) and Jefferson Street starting Monday, June 1, with traffic expected to resume on August 1.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Five said the full closure will allow crews to accelerate work on replacing multiple bridges along the corridor, including those over Kentucky and Brook streets, Hill Street, a CSX rail line, Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue.
Officials said the existing bridges, built during the original construction of the interstate in the 1950s, will be removed and replaced. The project also includes sidewalk upgrades and new lighting installations beneath the bridges.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured to I-264 on the west side of Louisville, where preparations are underway to handle increased traffic. Drivers heading downtown will use the Jefferson Street exit from southbound I-65 or access the area via I-64. Those leaving downtown will use the East Liberty Street ramp to reach northbound I-65.
Transportation officials said a full closure is the most cost-effective option and will shorten the project timeline by about a year compared to phased or partial closures.
More information is available on the project website.
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