The Kentucky Department of Transportation’s $130 million improvement effort on the Watterson and U.S. 42 corridor continues this week with a series of overnight lane closures. Crews will be working on the ramp from I‑71 to the Watterson West interchange, and for safety reasons several sections of I‑71 and I‑264 will be shut down between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Tuesday night – Wednesday morning
Starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, and lasting until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, the northbound lanes of I‑71 at mile point 4.9 will be closed. This closure is located just east of the I‑264 interchange at Watterson. Motorists traveling north on I‑71 are instructed to continue westbound on I‑264 to Exit 5. From there they may use either U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road) or Westport Road (KY 1447) to re‑enter I‑264 eastbound and then resume travel on I‑71 north.
Wednesday night – Thursday morning
The same northbound I‑71 closure at mile point 4.9 will be repeated on Wednesday night, beginning at 8 p.m. on November 4 and ending at 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 5. Drivers should again follow the detour via I‑264 westbound to Exit 5, then choose U.S. 42 at Exit 22 or Westport Road at Exit 21 to get back onto I‑264 east and continue toward I‑71 north.
Thursday night – Friday morning
On Thursday night, beginning at 8 p.m. on November 5 and lasting until 6 a.m. on Friday, November 6, the southbound ramp from I‑71 to I‑264 west (Exit 5) will be closed. Motorists traveling south on I‑71 are advised to stay on I‑71 south to Zorn Avenue at Exit 2, then use I‑71 north to reach the I‑264 westbound connection.
What drivers should know
All closures are scheduled for overnight hours to minimize impact on daytime commuters. The project’s overall goal is to widen and improve the corridor, enhancing safety and traffic flow for the long term. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage and the detour routes described above.
Additional information
The work is part of a broader $130 million effort to upgrade the Watterson and U.S. 42 corridor. While the overnight closures are temporary, the improvements are expected to benefit daily commuters, commercial traffic, and regional connectivity once completed.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
