LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Some lane closures are scheduled Monday and Tuesday so crews can continue work to install solar lighting as part of an ongoing push to improve visibility on Interstate 64 in Louisville.

The work is part of a broader effort to crack down on copper wire thefts across the city by replacing it with solar-powered options that work independently without underground copper wiring and electrical services.

"I'm glad to hear that because I couldn't possibly understand how people were stealing this copper without being caught," said driver Rita Fenwick. "Safety for one and then the cost because that's going to be passed on to everybody else if they have to keep replacing these things."

This week, crews will be working on installing systems along the Interstate 71 South ramp to I-64 West between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. June 15-16.

During the work, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the I-71 South ramp to I-64 West will be "narrowed" to maintain access to I-64 West while crews install the infrastructure. Once drivers enter I-64 West, the right lane and shoulder will be closed from the ramp merge area to the Kennedy Bridge/I-65 South.

"It makes the visibility all around better for people to drive safely," said driver Todd Northcutt.

The work is part of a pilot project, funded through federal grants, aimed at improving roadway safety, protecting public infrastructure investments and evaluating "new technologies to reduce repeated theft and vandalism along critical interstate ramps and interchanges that use traditional highway lighting systems."

Copper wire thefts have left drivers in the dark, prompting the city to launch a copper wire theft task force aimed at combatting the issue KYTC says is costly and dangerous. The Critical Infrastructure Task Force is a public-private partnership that brings together city departments, utilities and law enforcement to help identify and prosecute people stealing copper wire from the city's interstates.

Additionally, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg signed an ordinance last year that makes possessing stolen infrastructure wiring — such as copper wiring — a Class A misdemeanor with a punishment of up to $500 or a year in jail. The ordinance also requires scrap metal recyclers to photograph sellers, their IDs and vehicles, and only pay by mailed check. 

The city also installed more surveillance cameras an a new tamper-detection system that alerts police in real time when copper wire is being removed. 

State transportation officials say thieves often remove protective covers from light poles and access points, returning later to pull out the wiring.

Kentucky legislators passed Senate Bill 64 during the 2025 session, making it a felony to tamper with or damage critical infrastructure in the state. That includes messing with cable, telephone, broadband and electrical highway infrastructure.

KYTC officials said copper wire thefts are to blame for Louisville interstates going dark as thieves target critical infrastructure, such as light poles.

According to the agency, copper wire thefts have caused almost $1 million in damages since 2020, and about 1,400 lights rendered inoperable due to the thefts. Local and state law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity.

To report information about copper wire thefts along Kentucky interchanges, call the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 502-330-7506. 

Reports can also be made to Louisville Metro Police at 502-574-LMPD (5676) or the online crime tip portal. To report dark intersections, call KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC.

Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.

Â