There are just 18 days until a full closure of Interstate 65 in Louisville, and Louisville Metro Police are preparing.

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.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is extending this week's overnight southbound ramp and lane closures into the weekend, with an additional northbound lane closure starting Friday, May 8.

The joint replacement project is expected to be finished this fall.

River Road closed through January; Third Street may close intermittently during KFC Yum! Center roof work. 

The traffic signals at both intersections were switched to flashing red Thursday before being replaced entirely with stop signs, creating new two-way stops.

The closure begins on Monday and is expected to last through December.

Construction work in the notorious “Hospital Curve” corridor of Interstate 65 South wrapped up early, but more lane closures and traffic headaches are on the way for Louisville drivers.

A news release from the Kentucky Transportation said crews needed to make repairs to expansion joints.