Section of I-65 in Louisville to Close for 2 Months in Summer 2026
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — A major section of Interstate 65 through downtown Louisville will shut down for two months in summer 2026 as part of a $150 million bridge replacement project, state officials confirmed.
$150 Million Bridge Replacement Project
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has awarded a contract to Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to replace three aging bridges along I-65. The work marks the first phase of the I-65 Central Corridor Project, which is expected to improve travel safety and reliability on one of Kentucky’s busiest highways.
The bridges to be replaced include:
- Overpasses at Kentucky and Brook streets
- Overpasses at Hill Street, CSX rail line, and Burnett Avenue
- Overpass at Bradley Avenue
All three structures are more than 60 years old and rated in poor condition.
Timeline of Closures and Construction
The project will be carried out in multiple phases:
- Now through June 2026: Work continues beneath the interstate with little traffic impact.
- June–July 2026: A full closure of I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway will allow crews to accelerate construction. Officials say this two-month shutdown will save at least one year in the overall timeline.
- August 2026: I-65 reopens to traffic, though with reduced capacity. KYTC has included contract penalties to keep work on schedule.
- Fall 2026–Spring 2027: Work begins on at least three additional bridges, with I-65 remaining open but reduced to fewer lanes.
Balancing Inconvenience With Speed
KYTC Secretary Jim Gray acknowledged that closing such a critical interstate would be inconvenient but said the accelerated timeline made it worthwhile.
“We understand the inconvenience of closing an interstate, so it was important to us to let the public know more than nine months in advance,” Gray said. “This option will shrink the construction period considerably to avoid prolonged traffic impacts, and it considers the input of area stakeholders to steer clear of major events.”
A Long-Term Investment in Safety
Gov. Beshear said the bridge replacements are a crucial investment for Louisville’s infrastructure:
“Better roads and bridges build a better future. We want to ensure our families get where they need to go safely, and we know good roads connect people to good jobs and show companies around the world that we are open for business.”
The I-65 bridge replacements are scheduled for completion by mid-2027. Drivers should plan alternate routes and expect delays during the 2026 full closure.
Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continuing updates on regional infrastructure projects and traffic impacts.