LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some ramps on Interstates 64 and 264 in Louisville were closed Monday while crews installed solar-powered lights, and more closures are planned throughout the week.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project, funded by a $200,000 federal grant, will replace traditional wired lighting systems with solar-powered options, eliminating copper wiring at four interstate ramp locations. 

The solar-powered lights will replace traditional highway lighting systems on several ramps, including I-64 and 264 in phases through Thursday. The I-64 West on-ramp from Northwestern Parkway and the I-64 East off-ramp at Exit 3 to 22nd Street was closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. It's scheduled to be closed during the same timeframe on Tuesday.

The I-264 West on-ramp from Bank Street and the I-264 East off-ramp at Exit 1 to Bank Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 11.

Crews are installing 12 new solar lights on each ramp. 

A spokesperson for KYTC said the ramps receiving the  new solar lighting were the hardest hit by thieves who removed copper wire. 

"These two interchanges were targeted by copper wire thieves frequently, so that is why they were chose as part of the pilot project," said Morgan Woodrum with district five of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

Alongside the project, the University of Louisville's Kluger Transportation Research Group is conducting a separate research project to study the effectiveness of solar-powered highway lighting.

IMAGES | Kentucky Transportation crews install solar lights on interstates to fight copper theft

"We will of course analyze that, as well as results from this pilot project to see what the opportunities will be going forward with solar panel lighting at additional interstate interchanges," Woodrum said. 

Motorists should follow signed detour routes, use caution, and expect delays while traveling through the work zones.

KYTC officials have said 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.

$5,000 Reward Still In Effect

Woodrum also wants people to remember that they're still offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of someone tampering with interstate lights.

"We really want to remind the public that the transportation cabinet is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest for these crimes," she said. 

To report information about copper wire thefts along Kentucky interchanges, call the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 502-330-7506, and you may be eligible for the reward.

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.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.