News Item #1670

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5:

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Final Overnight Closure Scheduled for Kennedy Bridge Expansion Joint Project
Full closure of I-65 South begins Friday, Nov. 6, as contract crews complete final bridge work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2026) – The Kennedy Bridge expansion joint replacement project is nearing completion, with contract crews preparing for the final overnight closure of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge (Interstate 65 South) Friday, Nov. 6, to complete the remaining work. The overnight closure marks the final major traffic impact associated with the project to preserve and extend the service life of this critical Ohio River crossing.

The final overnight closure is necessary to prevent any movement of the bridge while contract crews install shims (small support pieces placed beneath the bridge to help maintain proper alignment and positioning) and complete remaining work.

Temporary Kennedy Bridge Closure

• Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, through 5 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, all lanes of I-65 South will be closed just past Exit 1 to U.S. 31 South/Stansifer Avenue/10th Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
  
  Motorists should plan to detour by taking I-265 West to I-64 East to reconnect with I-65 South.

Following the overnight closure, contract crews will address remaining punch list items and complete final project activities. Additional intermittent lane closures may be necessary to accommodate this work and details will be shared when finalized.

Kennedy Bridge Expansion Joint Project
Work on replacing bridge expansion joints began in February 2025 as a more permanent solution for damaged joints and to replace all joints, promoting safer and smoother traffic flow. Expansion joints are critical components of a bridge deck that allow the structure to safely expand and contract with temperature changes. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and preserves the bridge’s long-term structural integrity.

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 .