I-65 project leaders tell Louisville drivers to 'hang in there' as demolition work progresses

As work quickly progresses on the Interstate 65 Central Corridor project, some drivers and residents are struggling to adjust to the changes it brings.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As work quickly progresses on the Interstate 65 Central Corridor project through Louisville, some drivers and residents are struggling to adjust to the changes it brings.

A stretch of the interstate closed Monday, June 1, between Jefferson Street and the Interstate 264 interchange, creating a two-month traffic headache not seen in the city in decades as crews work to replace three aging overpass bridges along the corridor.

Crews are working 24/7, so some lanes can reopen on the interstate in August. But despite the progress, some drivers are still frustrated. From the longer commutes, crashes and collisions to the sounds of construction on repeat all day, some are finding it harder to adjust to the impacts of the two-month project.

Project leaders said the closure is being done all at once to save "at least a year of additional restrictions and construction delays." Their message to frustrated drivers is to "hang in there."

Detours are in place as some drivers use city streets and side roads to get around the closure. Truck traffic has increased under the low overpasses at 3rd and Eastern and 3rd and Winkler, near UofL, causing crashes at the infamous "can opener."

"Plenty of trucks come through here, the bridge is too low and just rips the top off of it," UofL student Liam Wolford said.

I-65 Closure | Traffic Map | Latest Coverage | Real-Time Alerts

Those living near the construction can hear the constant sound of demolition throughout the night.

"The noise is the one thing that we really cannot control," project spokesperson Mindy Peterson said.

Many drivers and residents bearing through the first week of the closure are feeling frustrated.

"I'm 25 minutes out, it changes from 30 minutes out, it was kind of annoying having to adjust my schedule," Wolford said.

An aerial view of the construction shows people are trading inconvenience for progress.

"One of the things that's probably most visible when you're taking a bird's eye view of progress is seeing the removal of the old deck and seeing it gone," Peterson said, adding that things will get better soon.

Portable signage was added on 3rd Street and Eastern Parkway, telling trucks to turn right or turn left before reaching the low overpasses near UofL. The hope is that the signs prevent trucks from colliding with low overpasses.

"This is not a route that will work for large trucks. Period," said Peterson. "It's not that you can try it, it's not that you may get lucky that day, this route does not work for semis, period."

Project leaders say there's only one more week of demolition work left.

"Once we get through the demolition work, which is absolutely necessary, it should provide some relief for the noises people are hearing now," Peterson said.

Peterson said crews are working quickly and on schedule. They are also communicating with trucking companies to make sure they're well informed about the routes and detours they can and can't take.

For everything you need to know about the project, including a timeline and detours, click here.