Louisville Launches $150M I-65 Bridge Project, Road Closures Begin This Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Drivers in Louisville should brace for long-term traffic changes as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) begins a $150 million project to replace three aging I-65 bridges in downtown Louisville.

The project, which spans several years, will impact both interstate and local roads. According to KYTC, construction will replace bridges that carry I-65 over Kentucky and South Brook Streets; Hill Street, a CSX rail line, and South Preston Street; and Bradley Avenue.

Work officially begins Wednesday, Sept. 3, with closures in Old Louisville that will remain in place until 2027.

Long-Term Road Closures in Old Louisville

Starting this week, two major intersections—South Brook/Kentucky Streets and Hill Street/Burnett Avenue—will be closed as crews work on the underside of I-65.

These closures are expected to stay in effect until spring 2027, creating long-term detours for neighborhood drivers and businesses.

Interstate Closures Coming in 2026

While local closures start immediately, a full closure of I-65 itself is scheduled for summer 2026. For two months, I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway will be completely shut down to traffic.

KYTC officials say a portion of I-65 will reopen by July 1, 2026, allowing access to key on-ramps at Jefferson Street and Liberty Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

In August 2026, the interstate will reopen to through-traffic, but with reduced capacity as work continues. KYTC noted that lane closures and periodic disruptions will remain in place through mid-2027.

Additional Bridge Work Scheduled

KYTC also announced that crews will begin work on at least three additional bridges on I-65 between fall 2026 and spring 2027. While officials expect the interstate to remain open during this time, lanes will be reduced and drivers should expect ongoing congestion.

Preparing for Years of Detours

This massive bridge replacement effort is one of Louisville’s most significant infrastructure undertakings in recent years. Officials say the investment is necessary to replace deteriorating bridge structures and improve safety on one of Kentucky’s busiest interstates.

Detours have been mapped out by KYTC, including alternative routes for both neighborhood streets and interstate traffic. Officials encourage drivers to plan ahead and expect significant delays.

“While the closures will create challenges, the improvements are critical to ensuring safe and efficient travel on I-65 for decades to come,” KYTC said in its project announcement.

Project Timeline at a Glance

• Sept. 3, 2025 – Local closures begin at South Brook/Kentucky Streets and Hill Street/Burnett Avenue.
• Summer 2026 – Two-month full closure of I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway.
• July 1, 2026 – Partial reopening of I-65 with limited ramp access.
• August 2026 – I-65 reopens with reduced lanes.
• Mid-2027 – Full completion of the bridge replacements.
• Fall 2026–Spring 2027 – Additional bridge construction begins on I-65.

Originally reported by Joseph Garcia in WHAS11.