Drivers in Floyd County, Indiana, are being urged to plan ahead as a major construction effort along Interstate 64 begins to take shape, bringing early disruptions and the promise of long-term improvements.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has launched preliminary work on what will become a multi-year infrastructure upgrade aimed at reducing congestion and modernizing a critical stretch of highway near New Albany. While the long-term goal is smoother traffic flow, drivers are already experiencing delays tied to early-stage work.
Crews have started clearing trees and vegetation along I-64 between Interstate 265 and U.S. 150 in Floyds Knobs, marking the first visible phase of the project.
"We've noticed a lot of trees coming down and you can definitely see the view a little bit more as you come down the cut you can see Louisville now and all the tress coming down, which is sad," said Casey Hill, who drives on I-64.
As part of the preparation work, overnight lane closures are already underway. INDOT officials say drivers should expect restrictions between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on westbound I-265 between I-64 and State Street, as well as in both directions of I-64 between I-265 and U.S. 150.
These closures are tied to vegetation clearing and are expected to continue through the end of March, with officials aiming to complete this phase before April 1. While the work is currently limited to nighttime hours, uncertainty remains about whether daytime lane closures will be introduced once construction intensifies.
Drivers say traffic conditions have already deteriorated in recent days, with backups and detours becoming more common.
"Here in the last week, it's been terrible," said Hill. "Big delays, a lot of reroutes that kind of thing so I don't know, that's a long time to have traffic like that, so hopefully it helps in the long run."
The broader “Improve 64” project is set to begin full construction this summer and is expected to continue through the end of 2029. The extensive upgrade includes adding new lanes to improve capacity, enhancing interchanges, and repairing or replacing bridges and culverts along the corridor.
In addition, the project will introduce modern safety features such as new noise barriers, guardrails, and concrete wall barriers, all aimed at improving both driver safety and nearby community conditions.
This stretch of I-64 is a key route connecting southern Indiana to the Louisville metropolitan area, making it a vital corridor for commuters, freight movement, and regional economic activity. As a result, even temporary disruptions are likely to have a widespread impact.
While the construction period may test drivers’ patience, transportation officials emphasize that the upgrades are designed to deliver long-term benefits, including reduced congestion and a more efficient roadway system.
For now, commuters are advised to allow extra travel time, stay alert for changing traffic patterns, and monitor updates as the project progresses.
Originally reported by Samantha Condra in WDRB.
