Overview
- The full closure of I-65 between Jefferson Street and I-264 began Monday as crews started 24/7 demolition and reconstruction on a five-mile central corridor.
- The work targets three aging bridges at Burnett Avenue, Kentucky Street and Bradley Avenue and aims to reopen a two-mile southbound section by July 1 with two lanes each way restored by August 1.
- Through traffic is being routed onto a signed I-264/I-64 detour that officials say will affect about 125,000 drivers daily and require adding roughly 15–20 minutes to commutes on the alternate route.
- Transportation officials reported the first morning commute was smoother than feared but identified confusing signage and striping near the Watterson and airport ramps that they are fixing overnight.
- Neighborhoods are already seeing cut-through cars and semitrucks using residential streets, officials are adding truck warnings and signage, and corridor restrictions and local impacts are expected to continue after the concentrated work window.