The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) approved a $150 million project to replace three aging bridges on Interstate 65 in Louisville. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. holds the contract for the first phase of the I-65 Central Corridor Project.
The work will replace bridges carrying I-65 over Kentucky and Brook Streets; Hill Street, a CSX rail line, and Burnett Avenue; and Bradley Avenue. More than 125,000 vehicles cross these structures daily. According to KYTC, each bridge is more than 60 years old and rated in poor condition. The new structures will include embankments, foundations, piers, beams, decks, and pavement, and are designed for a service life exceeding 75 years.
KYTC said the project aims to improve one of Kentucky’s busiest transportation corridors. Crews will conduct initial work beneath the interstate through June 2026 with minimal impact on traffic. The agency will fully close I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway from June to July 2026 to accelerate construction, saving an estimated year from the schedule.
During the closure, traffic will detour via I-264 west and I-64 west. On-ramps at Jefferson Street and Liberty Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard will remain open. KYTC plans to reopen I-65 in August 2026 with reduced capacity while crews continue construction into 2027. The entire project is scheduled for completion by spring 2027.
KYTC said the contract includes penalties to prevent delays. Officials also identified a dozen additional bridges in the I-65 corridor for future replacement, dependent on available funding and potential support from the federal Large Bridge Investment Program.