Progress continues on the construction project to redo the I-265, I-64 interchange in east Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A major construction project is scheduled to get some relief soon.

The I-Move Kentucky project was originally expected to be done by now, but it will take a little longer before crews are finished. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, supply chain issues were part of what's delayed the project. Drivers and residents along parts of Interstates 265 and 71 have endured blasting, lane closures, the sound of heavy equipment and construction.

The project was scheduled to wrap up in late 2023, then spring 2024, and now, the latest information from KYTC shows construction will be complete in the fall of 2024.

Melanie Jarrell spends a lot of time traveling I-265 and I-64.

"With having to go 64 to Blankenbaker or going north on 265," Jarrell said. "I know which routes to go and which ones to avoid."

I-Move is rebuilding the I-265/I-64 interchange. The project also adds a collector-distributor lane on I-71 South to improve safety to and from I-265. In addition, it widens I-265 and I-71, changing stretches from four lanes to six.

According to the I-Move project, these changes will help with safety and relieving traffic in busy areas where thousands of cars travel daily.

"It's a big project to make interstate improvements along that area along that corridor," project manager Chris Slone said. "And what we really want to do is improve the congestion and the safety of the area."

According to KYTC, the I-265/I-71 interchange was completed in 2021. Crews have also made progress expanding the Gene Snyder to six lanes from Taylorsville Road to Westport Road, with the section between Taylorsville Road and the interchange complete.

I-Move Kentucky is the largest single construction project in the state since the Ohio River Bridges project in 2016.

The ramp from I-64 eastbound to I-265 northbound will also open next week.

After four years, drivers believe crews are going the extra mile with the new ramp.

"That's going to make everyone's lives so much easier between here and 64 and the whole bit," Dani Fitch, the salon manager at Gentleman's Cut English Station, said.

To see all the latest closures coming this summer, click here.

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