Louisville I-65 Closure: 2-Month Bridge Work Starting June 1

Key Details Starting Monday, June 1, 2026, a five-mile stretch of I-65 in Louisville will shut down completely between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and Jefferson Street downtown. The closure will last until August 1, 2026, with a two-mile southbound section reopening to two lanes by July 1. Why It Matters Construction crews are replacing three aging bridges over Kentucky Street/Brook Street, Hill Street/CSX Railroad/Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue near the fairgrounds. This accelerated work schedule will save at least one year of future restrictions on this critical freight corridor. Planning Your Route I-65 is a major freight route through Louisville, so expect significant delays during the closure. The signed detour directs traffic to I-264 on the west side. Mapping apps like Waze have been updated to guide drivers along the most efficient routes based on real-time conditions. Longer Timeline This project is part of a larger multi-year effort to replace or repair nine bridges on I-65 in Louisville, with work continuing through the end of 2027. Plan alternative routes now to minimize disruptions to your freight schedules.