Governor and Team Kentucky joined Louisville Mayor to share updates with the city
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman joined Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg at Metro Hall today to share updates to the Interstate 65 Central Corridor project, which now puts Louisville residents first and increases traffic flow in the downtown area.
“Louisville was patient and supportive during the I-65 shutdown this summer. While we completed that project early, it’s not something folks should have to go through again, so we’re making sure ongoing construction keeps roadways open to support Louisville residents,” Gov. Beshear said. “This work is about more than pavement. This is about safer travel for our families, connecting visitors to this great travel destination and helping folks get to work, school or church. This is a long overdue investment in Louisville and this city’s bright future.”
“Safety is our top priority as this project moves forward, both during construction and for generations to come. We are grateful for the leadership of Gov. Beshear, Secretary Goodman and KYTC on this project, and we remain committed to supporting them as it is completed safely and thoughtfully for construction crews, nearby residents and everyone who uses the interstate every single day,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I also want to thank our community for its tremendous patience and flexibility as this necessary infrastructure project is completed.”
There are nine total bridges being upgraded as part of the ambitious I-65 project. The first three bridges are expected to be completed in March 2027, and those include bridges over Kentucky and Brook Streets; Hill Street, a CSX railroad and Burnett Avenue; and Bradley Avenue.
Work is underway to upgrade the six remaining bridges along a one-mile stretch of I-65. Those are the I-65 bridges over Liberty Street, Floyd Street, Chestnut Street, Jacob Street/Broadway/Gray Street, Muhammad Ali Boulevard/Brook Street (known locally as “Hospital Curve”) and the First Street/Liberty Street on ramp over Muhammad Ali Boulevard.
Through truck traffic will continue to be diverted to Interstate 264, except for trucks that have a downtown destination, which can use I-65. One interstate lane will remain open in each direction in the downtown area. The 5-mile stretch between the Watterson Expressway and Downtown will continue to have two lanes in each direction open until next May. From May 2027 through late 2028, a shorter one-mile section of I-65 near downtown will be adjusted to one lane in each direction.
“We’re committed to maintaining safe roads and bridges for the thousands of travelers, first responders and businesses who rely on this critical corridor every day to get to what matters most,” said Secretary Goodman. “Our team is dedicated to identifying opportunities to lessen traffic impacts throughout the project. As we work on upgrading the next six bridges, there will be local street detours so crews can work on the bridges above them, and next summer, the work zone will be confined to a shorter 1-mile stretch of I-65, maintaining important access to downtown Louisville during bridge construction.”
The Governor and Secretary Goodman shared how Team Kentucky will keep residents, travelers and others informed by implementing additional signage, adjusting signal timing and putting flaggers in place at the start of construction to direct traffic. Advisories and social media posts will also go out to the public to keep the community informed.
Today’s news comes after the Governor joined state and local officials in late July to announce the early completion of construction on I-65 between the Watterson Expressway and Downtown.
Staying Informed
Project information and updates can be found at I65CentralCorridor.com. While on the site, users can sign up to have project and traffic updates delivered to their inboxes or by text to their phones.
Project updates are shared on KYTC District 5 (D5) Facebook and X pages.
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