Single-lane pattern to preserve access while crews rehabilitate six downtown bridges
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will reduce a one-mile stretch of Interstate 65 through downtown Louisville to a single lane in each direction beginning in May 2027 and continuing through late 2028 to accommodate major bridge repairs, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sept. 10.
The lane reduction will affect the corridor commonly known as the Hospital Curve near the LOUMED district, which officials said contains six bridges that were built in the late 1950s and early 1960s and are now nearing the end of their service life despite ongoing maintenance.
"With truck traffic diverted, this should provide an efficient trip for Louisvillians moving around town," Beshear said, adding that the single-lane plan is intended to preserve access for local traffic after the full closure this summer.
State officials said the change will come after work that closed a five-mile segment of I-65 downtown in June and July to replace three particularly deteriorated bridges. Those repairs are expected to finish in March 2027, and the new single-lane configuration is planned to begin after the 2027 Kentucky Derby so as not to disrupt the annual event.
Which bridges will be repaired
| Bridge | Location |
|---|---|
| Liberty Street | Over I-65 |
| Floyd Street | Over I-65 |
| Chestnut Street | Over I-65 |
| Jacob Street, Broadway and Gray Street | Over I-65 |
| Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Brook Street | Over I-65 |
| On-ramp at First and Liberty streets | Over Muhammad Ali Boulevard |
During the summer work, the Transportation Cabinet closed the five-mile stretch in both directions to complete replacement of three bridges: those over Kentucky and Brook streets; Hill Street, the CSX Railroad and Burnett Avenue; and Bradley Avenue. That section has since reopened to two lanes each way, but the remaining six bridges along the Hospital Curve still require rehabilitation.
Traffic management and freight detours
To limit congestion and maintain access for local drivers, officials said trucks that are not making stops in Louisville will be asked to detour via Interstate 264. The governor said diverting truck traffic will help keep travel efficient for residents.
- Timeline: Single-lane pattern from May 2027 through late 2028.
- Reason: Rehabilitation of six bridges built in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Freight detour: Through trucks encouraged to use I-264.
Officials emphasized the decision to use a single-lane pattern rather than another full shutdown was made in response to feedback after the summer closure, when residents and businesses had to adapt to the extended interruption.
"Louisvillians were so patient and supportive of the summer shutdown, and we appreciate it, but y'all shouldn't have to go through that a second time," Beshear said, according to the announcement. The single-lane configuration is meant to balance long-term infrastructure needs with minimizing disruption for those who rely on I-65 for local travel.
Local transportation planners and safety officials will continue to coordinate routing, signage and enforcement during the work to help maintain access to downtown destinations, hospitals and neighborhoods adjacent to the corridor. The state has not released specific nightly or daytime construction schedules for the individual bridge projects within the one-mile stretch, but said work will take place through late 2028.
Motorists and businesses that use I-65 through downtown are advised to monitor announcements from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the governor's office for updates on traffic patterns, lane closures and recommended detours as the rehabilitation program approaches. The work aims to extend the life of critical bridges that carry both local and through traffic across the city.
