Final long-term ramp closure to end
Nov. 11, 2016 – The last long-term ramp closure associated with construction on the Downtown Crossing portion of the Ohio River Bridges Project is scheduled to end early next week as crews with Walsh Construction wrap up major interstate work on the project. The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West is expected to open by 5 a.m. Monday, November 14.Picture
When the ramp reopens to traffic, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge will be fully open to six lanes of southbound traffic. It reopened to five lanes of traffic last month. The improved Kennedy Bridge also has full shoulders for disabled vehicles.
The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West has been closed since December 2015. Around 5,500 drivers had used the ramp on a daily basis. A new ramp was built during the closure.
Final Pieces of the Project
Crews with Walsh Construction are close to completing the majority of interstate work on the Downtown Crossing, which means drivers will soon see orange barrels being cleared away and more lanes opening to traffic.
In just over a week, drivers are expected to see significant improvements in their commutes as interstates fully open to traffic on both the Kentucky and Indiana side of the Ohio River.
The following lanes and roadways are expected to open within the next week or so:
Lincoln Bridge – Will fully open to six lanes of northbound traffic.
I-65 North and South – Lane restrictions will end north of the Lincoln and Kennedy bridges in Southern Indiana.
I-65 North express Lane – A second I-65 North express lane is expected to open in Downtown Louisville, approaching the Lincoln Bridge.
I-64 West – A third lane of I-64 West will open approaching Downtown Louisville, which should improve traffic flow on both I-64 West and I-71 South.
6th Street in Jeffersonville – Will reopen to traffic.
New Ramps to I-65 – New ramps from 6th Street to I-65 South and I-65 North will open in Jeffersonville.
Downtown Crossing the Finish Line Event
State and local dignitaries, KYTC and INDOT officials, business leaders, community leaders and others who have played a role in this transformational project are expected to gather next week to celebrate work wrapping up on the project. The “Downtown Crossing the Finish Line” event is scheduled for Friday, November 18 at 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Memorial parking lot at Waterfront Park.
The many people who have played a role in the project are invited to return to the site of July 2013 groundbreaking to celebrate crossing the finish line. Selfie frames will be available for photos and a special Snapchat filter will be available in the area. People attending the event are encouraged to use #WeMadeIt.
Work Will Continue
While most closures will end and interstates are expected to be flowing freely, work on the Downtown Crossing will continue. Occasional lane and ramp closures are possible as finishing touches are made to the project.
Punch list items, including work on surface streets, will continue into early spring. Additional work will include final striping, grading, streetscaping and planting.
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The actual starting date and duration for the work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
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.