News Item #1649

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5:

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Lane Closure on I-71 South Beginning Saturday, Oct. 24, in Louisville
Contract crews to set bridge beams

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of upcoming traffic impacts on Interstate 71 South beginning Saturday, Oct. 24, as part of the $50 million I-71 widening and improvement project in Louisville .

To safely facilitate bridge construction, I-71 South will be reduced to one lane between mile markers 2 and 0 (from the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange to the I-65/I-71 interchange), with brief rolling closures on the following dates and times:

• From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24
• From 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27

The lane closures and brief rolling closures are necessary to allow crews to safely move and set bridge beams. Motorists should reduce speed, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time during the scheduled work.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. For the latest traffic and travel updates across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, visit goky.ky.gov . Information specific to District 5 counties is also available on Facebook  and X .

ABOUT THE I-71 WIDENING AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The I-71 widening and improvement project is a $50 million infrastructure investment to enhance safety and improve mobility along one of Louisville's most critical travel corridors. The two-year project, focused on increasing traffic capacity and safety, will enhance regional connectivity, provide reliable travel for years to come, and support economic growth.

The project spans approximately two miles of interstate from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange. Additional improvements include the construction of a multi-use path along Zorn Avenue between the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange and Mellwood Avenue, as well as a new median treatment at the intersection of Zorn Avenue and Mellwood Avenue to enhance safety and better define traffic movements.

The project also includes the demolition and reconstruction of the I-71 bridge over Beargrass Creek, along with a latex overlay on the I-71 bridge over I-64 at mile point 0.3 to extend the structure’s service life.

The interstate project is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027. Additional information, including project timelines and traffic impacts, will be shared online as work progresses. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for email alerts to receive weekly traffic updates related to the project .