I-65 to reopen early in Louisville after nearly two months of construction
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
Drivers will once again be able to travel on I-65 through downtown Louisville starting Wednesday morning, bringing an early end to a weeks-long closure that has disrupted traffic across the city since June.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that four lanes of I-65 will reopen at 12 a.m. Wednesday after crews completed work three days ahead of schedule on the project.
Watch the full announcement in the player below.
“We knew we needed a fix and not a Band-Aid. When this project is complete, the people who live here will drive a safer, modern interstate, something they deserve, and businesses will see the very best when they come to look at Louisville. This is how we’re showing the nation the way forward,” Beshear said.
The news means drivers will be able to rely on the interstate for their morning commute on Wednesday.
Matt Bullock, Chief District Engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said a total of four lanes will be reopening along the stretch.
The area will still be considered a construction zone through the end of next year, so drivers will be limited to speeds of 40 mph.
The closure, which began in June 1, shut down a stretch of I-65 through downtown Louisville while crews worked to replace aging bridges and improve the interstate.
Bullock said that as part of the work, crews removed 140 previous existing girders, or supports, that were set around 70 steel beams.
Crews also installed over 200 pre-cast deck panels, along with demolishing and loading out 35,000 cubic yards of concrete.
Officials said that equals about two feet of concrete poured over a football field.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.