Beshear announces $118 million I-64 improvement project in Shelby County

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A major infrastructure investment will enhance safety, improve mobility and reduce congestion in Shelby County.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday a $118 million widening and improvement project for Interstate 64 in Shelby County. The project will increase capacity, upgrade an interchange, modernize bridges and ensure "a more efficient and reliable transportation network for motorists."

The three-year project upgrades an 11-mile section of I-64 along the reconstruction of the KY 53 interchange, the rebuilding of three overpass bridges and widening of four existing bridges.

"Transportation investments like this continue to make our New Kentucky Home a better, safer and more connected state that will support families, businesses and communities for generations to come," Beshear said in a news release.

When it's completed, the I-64 corridor from Clark Station Road to KY 395 will feature three lanes in each direction.

This summer, there will be pavement upgrades on nearly 5 miles of I-64 from KY 1848 to Exit 32 at KY 55. During the peak hours, two lanes will remain open.

The three bridges that'll be replaced are KY 2861 (Zaring Mill Road), KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road), and KY 1790 (Hooper Station Road).

The I-64 and KY 53 interchange will also go from a loop ramp to a diamond interchange. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027. 

Project Phases:

• Phase 1A – Preliminary Work:
• Nightly lane closures (traffic reduced to one lane) | 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.
  • ​Milling of all existing rumble strips on outside shoulders
  • Set barrier walls for shifting traffic to the outside shoulders to work in the middle lanes
• Phase 1:
• Daily/nightly lane closures during non-peak travel times
  • ​Widening of I-64 from mile point 32.29 to mile point 38.3 (build inside lane and shoulder)
  • Work on the three bridges over I-64 to accommodate the widening of I-64
  • KY 2861 (Zaring Mill Road) – 90-day closure in 2025/2026
  • KY 1790 (Hooper Station Road) – 120-day closure in 2025/2026
  • ​KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road) – Traffic will remain open during construction
  • ​Nighttime closures of I-64 to be expected for the demolition of the overpass bridges and for setting bridge beams
• Phase 2 and 3:
  • Sound wall installation near Exit 35 at KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road) near residential properties
  • Outside lane construction of I-64 (begin with one direction and switch)
  • I-64/KY 53 (Mt. Eden Road) interchange reconstruction