Louisville officials announced a revised schedule for the I‑65 Central Corridor project that will keep the highway open but impose major lane reductions and underpass closures. Governor Andy Beshear said the work will proceed while maintaining traffic flow for residents and commuters.
Lane reduction details
Starting in May 2027, after the Kentucky Derby, a one‑mile segment of I‑65 between the Hospital Curve and the Kentucky Street overpass will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. The reduction is expected to last until late 2028, an 18‑month period during which truck and through traffic will be diverted to the I‑264 detour route.
Underpass closures
The next underpass closure will begin on a Friday night, with demolition crews starting work on the Broadway overpass. The closure will continue through October and will not affect traffic on I‑65 above, but the Broadway street below will be closed to vehicles.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city will monitor traffic in real time during the Broadway closure and deploy personnel to clear any backups that develop. “If there are traffic jams in a particular area, we can deploy individuals to help move the traffic along and clear if they back up in a certain area,” he explained.
Impact on local streets
Secretary of Transportation Rebecca Goodman noted that several local streets, including Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Brook Street, will be detoured while crews work on the bridges overhead. The detours are intended to protect the public as construction proceeds.
Structural changes
As part of the project, parking lots and open spaces beneath I‑65 will be walled off with Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls or vertical wall supports topped with lightweight fill. District 5 chief engineer Matt Bullock said the changes will reduce open spill‑through abutments and improve long‑term maintenance and cost efficiency.
Despite the reductions, two lanes in each direction will remain open on I‑65 throughout the construction period.
What residents can expect
Motorists are encouraged to use the I‑264 detour for through travel and to follow posted signage for local street detours. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will provide regular updates on the project’s progress and any additional traffic management measures.
Officials emphasized that keeping I‑65 open is a priority to minimize disruption to commuters, businesses, and emergency services while the necessary upgrades are completed.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
