LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Thousands of drivers adjusted their commutes Monday for the first day of the two-month Interstate 65 closure through downtown Louisville.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet estimated nearly 125,000 drivers would be impacted daily by the closure of I-65 between Jefferson Street and Interstate 264.

"It's pretty messed up. They are doing the best they can," said John Harper, who lives in Shepherdsville. "They reroute you everywhere, and plan about 45 minutes ahead before you get there, cause it is going to reroute you everywhere."

Drivers at gas stations along I-65 Monday shared their frustrations and concerns about what the closure may bring.

"With the Sherman Minton construction years ago, I am kind of worried that is what is going to happen. Like two-hour delays coming around," Julie Dodson said, adding that she plans on putting off going anywhere near I-65 after rush hour.

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While many expressed frustration, some were optimistic that the closure won't be as bad as expected.

"It's still frustrating, but it's the first day. Give it some time and it will wear in. You got to adapt and overcome," said Harper.

A UofL student leaving the campus for the summer on Monday told WDRB she wasn't sure how to get around the closure to go home to southern Kentucky.

"I can't take that road to go home, and I have to drive down (Interstate) 65 for about three hours, so it's kind of frustrating I just can't go down that road and go home as easily as I normally do," Kaylie Conley said. "I am going to have to look at my map and figure out the easiest way to get home and it is probably going to take a lot longer than it normally would."

Despite being next to and running parallel with I-65, 1st Street in Old Louisville seemingly had a normal amount of traffic Monday. Traffic was more congested closer to Preston Highway near the I-65, Interstate 264 interchange.

For everything you need to know about the I-65 shutdown, click here. KYTC released a video breaking down some of the detours around the I-65 closure. You can watch it by clicking here.

For more information on the project, click here. And see below for a real-time traffic map:

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