Ramp Closes in Kentucky and Exit Closes in Indiana
Louisville, Ky., – Dec. 14, 2015 – Traffic on I-65 South is expected to move to the Abraham Lincoln Bridge this week. The Lincoln Bridge, the centerpiece of the Downtown Crossing portion of the Ohio River Bridges Project, opened to northbound traffic just over a week ago. I-65 South traffic is expected to be using the Lincoln Bridge by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16.
The Lincoln Bridge will carry three lanes of northbound traffic and two lanes of southbound traffic as extensive improvements are made to the adjacent Kennedy Bridge.
Ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West to Close
As southbound traffic shifts to the Lincoln Bridge, another long-term ramp closure will begin. The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West is scheduled to close around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15. It’s expected to reopen to traffic in late summer 2016.
A signed detour will be in place, directing drivers to I-264. During the closure, the current ramp will be demolished and a new ramp will be built.
Exit 0 from I-65 South to Close
In advance of the traffic shift, a Southern Indiana exit will be closing. Exit 0 from I-65 South, which carries traffic into Jeffersonville, is scheduled to close by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15. This is a permanent closure and the exit will not be reopening.
Drivers in Southern Indiana will need to use Exit 1 to access US 31 South and reach their destinations. Exit 1 will be the final exit in Southern Indiana, before traffic reaches the Abraham Lincoln and crosses the Ohio River into Kentucky.
US 31 South Ramp Reopens to Traffic
As Exit 0 closes to traffic, the ramp from US 31 South to Court Avenue will be reopening. It’s been closed since this summer, with a new ramp built during the closure. The ramp will provide direct access to Court Avenue and the Clark Memorial Bridge.
The ramp is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15. Last week, the new flyover ramp from US 31 North to I-65 North opened to traffic. The ramps mean direct traffic flow across the Clark Memorial Bridge (in both directions) has been restored.
Additional Traffic Changes
Drivers will notice additional changes on the Kentucky side of the river as the traffic shift is made. Drivers exiting from I-65 South to Jefferson Street will have an earlier decision point. The new access point to Jefferson Street will be just south of Witherspoon Street.
There will also be a new, temporary alignment for drivers traveling from I-65 South to I-64 East/I-71 North. They will have a later decision point. The split will be just east of Witherspoon Street. I-71 North traffic will split to the left.
Drivers need to slow down, avoid distractions and pay close attention to signage as they adjust to the traffic changes.
Kennedy Bridge Closures
When I-65 South traffic shifts to the Abraham Lincoln Bridge, all but one lane on the adjacent John F. Kennedy Bridge will close. The single lane will maintain access from I-65 South to I-64 East and I-71 North.
The single lane to maintain eastbound and northbound traffic is expected to remain open for just over a month. The Kennedy Bridge is expected to close completely in early February and remain closed for just over six months.
One lane on the Kennedy Bridge is expected to reopen around mid-August to restore access to I-64 West, I-64 East and I-71 North.
During the closure, a new floor system is being installed on the Kennedy Bridge. The $22 million in improvements are expected to add decades of new life to the 52-year old bridge.
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The actual starting date and duration for the work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur. Also, given the aggressive overall construction schedule for the project, Walsh DBT may shift work schedules when opportunities arise.
The Downtown Crossing includes a new cable-stayed bridge, an improved Kennedy Bridge and interstate connections on both sides of the river. Substantial completion of the entire Downtown Crossing is scheduled for December 2016.
Find all of the latest traffic information and more details on the Ohio River Bridges Project at www.kyinbridges.com.
Navigate traffic with KYTC, www.511.ky.gov, and Waze, www.waze.com.
