I-65 in Louisville reopens

LOUISVILLE - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that Interstate 65 in Louisville has reopened to traffic three days ahead of schedule, restoring two lanes in each direction and marking a major milestone in the I-65 Central Corridor Project.

The reopening follows the planned two-month closure to allow crews to accelerate replacing three aging bridges. With travel lanes open, construction will continue as work progresses to complete the project.

“We know how important this corridor is to Louisville, and today we’re excited to reopen it ahead of schedule so families, visitors, businesses, and more can get back to their regular commutes,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to complete this project ahead of time and deliver safer roads and bridges for Kentucky families.”

The full five-mile corridor of I-65 between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and downtown Louisville (Jefferson Street) was back in service shortly after midnight on Wednesday morning. 

I-65 remains a construction zone and is open to two lanes in each direction with a reduced speed of 40 mph for much of the corridor.

The I-65 bridges over Kentucky Street/Brook Street, Hill Street/CSX Railroad/Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue near the fairgrounds are the first three being replaced. They were constructed in the late 1950s as part of the original interstate.

Accelerated work during the closure has saved at least a year of additional restrictions and delays on I-65.

A total of nine bridges on the I-65 corridor are being replaced or rehabilitated as part of the project.