Andy Beshear announcing funds that will replace three bridges in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - A huge traffic impact is coming in Louisville after the governor announced funding that will replace three bridges locally.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $150 million construction project to replace three aging bridges in Louisville and improvements to Interstate 65.

A contract was awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to replace three bridges on Interstate 65, near downtown Louisville.

This is the first phase of the I-65 Central Corridor Project.

Under this contract, Kiewit will replace bridges over Kentucky and Brook streets; Hill Street, a CSX rail line and Burnett Avenue; and Bradley Avenue. Work will be completed on these bridges by mid-2027.

Each of the three bridges are over 60 years old and in poor condition. This will fully replace all parts including earth embankments, foundations, piers, beams and pavement.

The project will move forward in the following order:

• Now through June 2026: Work will occur beneath the interstate with minimal impact to traffic.
• June–July 2026: A full closure of I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway will allow for accelerated construction that will save at least a year to construct these bridges. Traffic will be detoured via I-264 west and I-64 west. On-ramps at Jefferson Street and Liberty Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard will remain open.
• August 2026: I-65 will reopen to traffic with reduced capacity. KYTC has included significant penalties in the contract to avoid delays. While I-65 will be open starting August 2026, crews will continue work through mid-2027. Drivers should expect some off-peak lane closures and periodic impacts as the project wraps up.
• Fall 2026–Spring 2027: Crews expect to start work on at least three additional bridges. Construction dates have not been finalized, but KYTC expects to keep I-65 open with reduced lanes during this phase of construction.

Extensive detour plans and alternate routes will be shared well in advance to help drivers plan travel and reduce disruptions.