Kentucky Approves $150 million Louisville Bridge Replacements

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet approved a $150 million construction project to replace three aging bridges on Interstate 65 in Louisville.

This is the first phase of the I-65 Central Corridor Project, a bridge replacement and rehabilitation initiative targeting one of the state’s busiest transportation allies.

Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. has the contract. It will replace structures over Kentucky and Brook streets; Hill Street, a CSX rail line and Burnett Avenue; and Bradley Avenue. Over 125,000 vehicles cross these bridges daily.

All three structures are over 60 years old and rated in poor condition. They will be fully replaced, including new earth embankments, foundations, piers, beams, decks and pavement. The new structures are expected to last over 75 years.

From now through June 2026, work will occur beneath the interstate with minimal impact to traffic. I-65 will close fully between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway from June 2026 to July 2026. A map of detours can be found here.

“We don’t make this decision lightly, but this option will shrink the construction period considerably to avoid prolonged traffic impacts, and it considers the input of area stakeholders to steer clear of major events,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said in a statement. “We’re committed to doing all we can to coordinate all of our construction projects in the region to keep travelers moving as we work to upgrade our transportation network to improve your commute for decades to come.”

In August 2026, I-65 will reopen with reduced traffic capacity. Crews will continue to work through mid-2027.

“Drivers should expect some off-peak lane closures and periodic impacts as the project wraps up,” the transportation cabinet said in a news release.

The agency has included “significant penalties” in the project contract to avoid delays.

A dozen other bridges in the I-65 corridor will be added to the project if there is available funding. Kentucky has applied for a Large Bridge Investment Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the work.

Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, I-65 Central Corridor