East Louisville drivers concerned over nearly 3-year interstate project near new VA hospital

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A nearly $130 million road construction project is officially underway in east Louisville, promising long-term improvements — but creating short-term headaches for drivers and businesses near the city's new Veterans Affairs hospital.

The multiyear project will widen Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) between Westport Road and Interstate 71 in both directions to three lanes.

Extra lanes would be added to on- and off-ramps, including the ramp from I-264 East to I-71 North; the U.S. 42 westbound ramp onto I-264; and the I-264 West ramp to Westport Road.

It’s meant to ease congestion and improve access to the soon-to-open U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. But for now, drivers like Kevin Okoon, who lives just off U.S. 42, are bracing for delays.

“I specifically went around the long way just to get there,” Okoon said. “I just think it is bad timing.”

To avoid rush-hour gridlock, Okoon said he’s adjusted his schedule.

“If it is anywhere around 4 (p.m) to 6 (p.m.), I stay away from it,” he said.

Nightly lane closures on the Watterson between Westport Road and I-71 are expected to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 5 a.m. as work ramps up.

The plan includes not only wider lanes, but new entrance ramps, new traffic patterns and a complete rebuild of the U.S. 42 bridge over the Watterson.

For nearby businesses, the construction could mean a drop in foot traffic. Brownsboro Hardware and Paint sits directly in front of the work zone, where owner Doug Carroll said he’s concerned.

“We’ll put signs up. We will do everything we can to keep business coming in,” Carroll said. “But obviously, I believe it is going to slow business some.”

River Road, one of the main alternate routes around the construction zone, is also under construction and not expected to reopen for another year — adding to drivers' frustration.

“This is the detour for River Road and it’s already terrible,” Okoon said. “And now they’re going to make it worse.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet did not respond to repeated requests for comment, but Gov. Andy Beshear's office said Monday the project is designed to make travel safer and reduce congestion.

Construction on the new VA hospital is expected to wrap up in late 2026. The road work is slated to finished by fall 2027.

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