Second I-65 shutdown being planned for next summer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - With this summer’s I-65 shutdown at its midpoint, plans are already taking shape for a second full closure of the interstate next year.

If current contracts hold, I-65 would shut down again next summer to replace additional bridges, including one near Hospital Curve. The closure would run from just after the Kentucky Derby through late August, around the time of the State Fair. I-65 south would reopen at that point, but I-65 north would remain closed until mid-October.

More access planned for next year

Unlike this year’s shutdown, next year’s closure would allow traffic as far north as the Broadway exit. Jefferson Street would remain the only exit open for drivers coming across the toll bridge. Workers would replace six bridges during the closure.

The extended timeline means part of the construction would overlap with the school year. That’s a factor some downtown workers said could affect commute times.

Gurnoor Singh, who works downtown, said his own commute has not been significantly impacted, but others have not had the same experience.

“It’ll take them like 30 minutes more,” Singh said. “I had a colleague, somewhere there a bridge was closed, or there was an accident, so they couldn’t take alternate routes.”

Commuters weigh in on current shutdown

Hannah Thompson, who also works downtown, said her commute has been shorter during the current closure.

“During school session, it usually takes an hour and a half,” Thompson said. “So it could be just because kids are out of school, or people are taking different ways to work.”

Thompson said the school calendar is a key variable for next year’s shutdown.

“Depending on where those kids go,” she said.

Side streets have also been affected by the current closure, with the interstate dividing Louisville.

Next summer’s construction could bring additional disruptions downtown, with major closures planned for Broadway and other streets that cross under the freeway.

The plans for the second shutdown are not yet finalized. Contracts still need to be signed.

Politics may also come into play. A KYTC spokesperson said, “The citizens of Jefferson County have been understanding of the shutdown this summer and how it is necessary to repair and replace bridges for the safety of all who travel that interstate.

With that said, they should not have to endure two closures in two years, and the Governor intends to push this closure further into the future."