Louisville police and MetroSafe officials were on the scene Tuesday evening after a vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 65 left the roadway and fell onto an unfinished exit ramp in the downtown construction zone at the intersection of First and Chestnut streets. The driver, whose identity has not been released, was found upside‑down in the ramp’s concrete trench.
What happened
According to MetroSafe, the incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. while the driver was navigating the southbound lanes of I-65. The exact cause of the departure from the highway remains under investigation, but officials noted that the area is currently an unfinished exit ramp surrounded by construction barriers.
Emergency response
First‑responders from the Louisville Metro Police Department, fire rescue, and emergency medical services arrived within minutes. The driver was extricated from the vehicle using hydraulic rescue tools and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no reported injuries to pedestrians or nearby workers.
Impact on traffic
The incident forced a temporary closure of the First and Chestnut construction zone, causing a backup on I-65 southbound. MetroSafe posted real‑time traffic alerts on its social‑media channels, urging drivers to use alternate routes such as the I-64 corridor or surface streets like Main and Jefferson. The closure was lifted after crews cleared the ramp and confirmed the area was safe for traffic, but officials warned that construction activity in the downtown corridor may cause intermittent delays in the coming weeks.
Ongoing investigation
MetroSafe investigators are reviewing dash‑cam footage, roadway sensor data, and witness statements to determine why the vehicle left the highway. Possible factors under review include driver distraction, mechanical failure, or road‑surface conditions. The department has asked anyone who may have observed the incident to contact the Louisville Metro Police Department’s traffic unit.
Public‑safety reminder
City officials used the incident as an opportunity to remind motorists to stay alert, especially in construction zones where lane markings and barriers may change rapidly. “Construction areas present unique hazards, and we encourage all drivers to reduce speed and follow posted signage,” said a MetroSafe spokesperson.
Residents can stay updated on the status of downtown construction projects and traffic conditions by following the Louisville Metro Police Department’s official Twitter feed or checking the MetroSafe website.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
