Significant I-65 ramps closing in Louisville ahead of 2-month interstate shutdown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The five-mile closure of Interstate 65 is less than a month away, and preparations are ramping up.

The I-65 Central Corridor Improvement Project will close a large stretch of the interstate between the Watterson Expressway and downtown Louisville to replace aging bridges along the interstate.

"It's going to be really bad, especially since the whole area is going to be closed," said driver Betty Hawkins. "There's a lot of people that come from downtown, go back out, it's just going to be bad."

To prepare, two I-65 ramps are closing ahead of time. The on-ramp to I-65 South from 1st Street near Jacob Street will close on or after Monday, May 4, and reopen by Aug. 1, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

In addition, the off-ramp from I-65 South to St. Catherine Street, exit 135, will also close Monday and won't reopen until late this year.

The on ramps to I-65 South at 1st and Chestnut streets and 1st Street between Liberty Steet and Muhammad Ali Boulevard will be open until June 1.

"Every bit of work that we see happening now is to ensure that that closure of I-65, when it begins this summer, is successful and that we're able to accomplish all of the things we need to do during that two-month window and get the interstate reopen to traffic," said Mindy Peterson, a spokesperson for the project.

The St. Catherine Street ramp will be closed until the end of this year because they will be replacing the entire ramp. It's also a part of one of the bridges that will be replaced this summer.

"It's just important for drivers to know this closure of I-65 is going to be very impactful, and we understand that, and we don't want anybody to be surprised by that," said Peterson.

She also wants drivers to know impacts will be felt through the end of 2027 with additional street closures across the city.

The full I-65 shutdown will begin June 1 and is expected to fully re-open by Aug. 1.

The first public information meeting about the project will be May 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. at duPont Manual High School.

To learn more about the project or to follow along for updates, click here.