LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB/WAVE) — Gov. Andy Beshear said Louisville drivers won't have to deal with another full Interstate 65 shutdown next summer, even though the next phase of the project had been expected to require one.
The current I-65 Central Corridor project closed a five-mile stretch of the interstate between Jefferson Street and Interstate 264 June 1 to replace three aging overpasses. Traffic is scheduled to reopen Aug. 1 with two lanes in each direction, while construction will continue through late 2027.
Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have said the unprecedented two-month shutdown was chosen because it would save "at least a year of additional restrictions and construction delays."
Before Beshear's announcement, the next phase of the project called for another full shutdown next summer to rebuild Hospital Curve and replace five additional bridges. The closure would have lasted longer than this summer's shutdown — from May until August — but kept more exits open.
The current shutdown has remained on schedule, with work continuing around the clock, seven days a week. Last week, two southbound lanes between University Boulevard and Interstate 264 reopened ahead of schedule after transportation officials said crews made "significant progress."
"Louisville shouldn't have to go through this next summer, so I'm certainly not going to let that happen, not as long as I'm governor," Beshear said.
KYTC has not responded to a request for comment.
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