LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A heads up for those who may be using the Sherman Minton Bridge this weekend.
The westbound lanes of Interstate 64 will close around 10 p.m. Friday and won't reopen until Monday, March 18, at 6 a.m. That's one lane on the top deck and one lane on the bottom deck of the bridge.
That means traffic won't be able to use the bridge to get from Louisville to Indiana.
The directional closure will also close the I-64 West exit ramp to Spring Street, as well as the Interstate 264 West to I-64 West ramp.
Officials with the Sherman Minton Renewal Project said the closure will allow crews to work safely as they begin placing new concrete on the top deck.
Drivers are encouraged to use the suggested alternate route of Interstates 65 and 265 and should expect delays.
The eastbound lanes of the bridge from Indiana to Louisville will remain open.
More lane closures are expected March 22-28:
- Friday, March 22 at 6 p.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23
- Thursday, March 28 at 8 p.m. until 9 a.m. Friday, March 29
You can read more about the upcoming closures by clicking here.
The work is part of the ongoing Sherman Minton Renewal Project, which is aimed at painting and rehabilitating the 61-year-old bridge. The project is anticipated to give the six-lane, double-decked bridge up to 30 more years of life.
Construction on the bridge is a multi-phase project. To follow its progress, click here.
The closures come after the entire bridge shut down for about four days last week. Project officials closed the bridge Friday, March 8, out of an abundance of caution after lateral beams were "observed to be out of alignment" during the removal of temporary bracing added for a concrete pour. During the closure, crews did repairs and inspections before reopening the bridge Wednesday morning.
An official with the Indiana Department of Transportation said the closure was prompted by floor beams pushed out of alignment by construction rigging used during the renovation work. The equipment led to a "binding" of two floor beams beneath the top deck. The official said the beams were not damaged and moved back into place when the rigging was "unbound," adding that the beams had no prior known issues.
More Sherman Minton Bridge Coverage:
- Official: Construction gear caused concern that led to Sherman Minton Bridge shutdown
- Sherman Minton Bridge reopens on Wednesday morning following repairs and inspection
- Sherman Minton Bridge closed indefinitely after crews find main deck needs 'immediate inspection'
- 'Just not right' | More than 300 complaints filed for things falling onto cars during Sherman Minton Bridge project
- Lane closures scheduled on Sherman Minton Bridge during 3 March weekends
- Eastbound lanes of the Sherman Minton Bridge reopen after 12 day closure
- Sherman Minton Bridge project updates schedule to lift most traffic restrictions by June 2024
- Closed WB lane on top deck of Sherman Minton Bridge reopens after weekslong repair
- 'It was heavy' | Man says his car was damaged by object while driving on Sherman Minton Bridge
- New Albany business frustrated by Sherman Minton Bridge closure
- Sherman Minton Bridge plan details construction phases, lane closures
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