Get ready for major traffic changes: I-65 bridge project will close interstate for two months

If you drive through downtown Louisville regularly, you'll want to mark your calendar for summer 2026.

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Planning your commute just got a lot more complicated. Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that three aging bridges on Interstate 65 near downtown Louisville are getting completely replaced, and that means drivers are in for some serious detours next year.

Here's what you need to know: I-65 will be completely shut down between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway for two full months in summer 2026. Yes, you read that right. Two months.

Why close the whole interstate?

Before you start groaning about the inconvenience, there's actually some method to this madness. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says closing I-65 entirely during June and July 2026 will let construction crews work around the clock and finish the project at least a year faster than if they tried to keep traffic moving.

"We understand the inconvenience of closing an interstate," said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. "We don't make this decision lightly, but this option will shrink the construction period considerably to avoid prolonged traffic impacts."

The alternative would have been years of lane closures, weekend shutdowns, and stop-and-go construction zones. Anyone who's sat in traffic during road work knows how frustrating that can be.

Your detour options

When I-65 closes next summer, you'll need to reroute using I-264 west and I-64 west. The good news? The on-ramps at Jefferson Street and Liberty Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard will stay open, so you won't be completely cut off from downtown access.

Transportation officials promise they'll share detailed detour maps and alternate routes well before construction starts, giving you almost a year to figure out new ways to get around town.

What to expect before and after

The project is already underway with behind-the-scenes work that shouldn't mess with your daily drive. Through June 2026, crews will work beneath the interstate with minimal traffic impact.

But here's where it gets tricky: even after I-65 reopens in August 2026, don't expect things to go back to normal immediately. The interstate will reopen with reduced capacity, and you can expect off-peak lane closures and periodic disruptions as crews finish up work through mid-2027.

Then, just as you're getting used to the new normal, construction will start on at least three more bridges in fall 2026. The good news is that KYTC expects to keep I-65 open during this next phase, just with fewer lanes available.

Why this matters to you

These aren't just any bridges- they carry more than 125,000 vehicles every single day. That's a lot of commuters, delivery trucks, and travelers who depend on this route. The three bridges being replaced are all over 60 years old and in poor condition, requiring constant inspections just to make sure they're safe, according to the state.

"As a Kentuckian who worked for many years in downtown Louisville, I have driven this I-65 corridor countless times, and I understand the significance of this project," Governor Beshear said, acknowledging that he gets why this matters to regular drivers.

The $150 million project will build bridges designed to last more than 75 years, potentially avoiding emergency closures down the road that could be even more disruptive.

Start planning now

With more than nine months' notice, you've got time to think about how this will affect your routine. Whether you're commuting to work, dropping kids at school, or just trying to get across town, summer 2026 is going to require some creativity in your travel planning.

The project is set to wrap up by mid-2027, and if Kentucky gets additional federal funding, even more bridge improvements could follow. For now, though, the focus is on getting through what's sure to be a challenging but necessary couple of years for Louisville-area drivers.

One thing's for certain: your GPS is going to get a workout in 2026.

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