Flooding and trash along Interstate 64 in Louisville raises concerns

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — When it rains it floods, and if you have spent anytime on the interstates in Louisville, you've likely seen or been caught in the flooding.

The section that has seen the most frequent flooding is on Interstate 64 near the 9th Street on-ramp. A spokesperson for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said they have a regular contract to keep the shoulders clean, but WDRB found a lot of the drains are clogged and have grass growing out of them.

Video shot last week by WDRB reporter Richard Essex shows water across the road that is almost two feet deep — the result of a brief but heavy rain that lasted ten minutes. The water brought all of the trash right into the middle of the road.

So, WDRB asked the transportation cabinet why this is happening and who is responsible.

In an email, we are told larger items like mattresses and ladders are picked up by KYTC crews, but a WDRB news crews found mattresses or what was left of it, on the shoulder of the Story Avenue off ramp. KYTC said they will pick up large items if notified.

So, what about the shoulders? During the drive on Interstate 64, WDRB found car parts galore — bumpers, rims, tires — a few discarded KYTC traffic signs and the remnants of a vehicle fire.

KYTC said they have an existing sweeping contract in place within Jefferson County to ensure regular upkeep of the shoulders along highways.

There is no mention in the email from KYTC on who is supposed to clean out the drains along the interstate. WDRB found miles of drains with grass growing from them and even a few with corn growing.

WDRB did find crews picking up trash along Interstate 64 from the 9th Street exit to Interstate 264.

KYTC said the grass along the interstates is cut three times a year, and litter is picked up prior to each mowing cycle.

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