In this Issue
* I-264 / I-71 / Westport Road Construction Project
* Louisville Water Company - River Road Project
Work is now underway to widen and improve one of Louisville’s busiest interchanges, a major upgrade that aims to ease congestion and boost safety for thousands of drivers each day.
What to Expect
Drivers should prepare for nightly lane closures on both sides of I-264 (Watterson Expressway) between KY 1447 (Westport Road) and I-71. Closures will run from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Work began on Monday night. Ramp closures from the Watterson to I-71 North and South will start later this week. No time has been established for those closures.
A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Project
Governor Andy Beshear announced the $130 million investment on Monday, calling it “a project about making life better for Kentucky families.” "By improving one of Louisville's busiest interchanges, we're going to make travel safer, reduce congestion, and support long-term growth for this area of the city. Investments like this are building a stronger foundation for our New Kentucky Home - one that's safer, more connected, and ready for the future."
About the Project
The work will expand capacity on I-264, I-71, and Brownsboro Road, transforming the I-264/US 42 interchange into a single-point urban interchange (SPUI) - a safer, more efficient design that allows more cars to move through each light cycle with fewer conflict points. The overall goal is to improve mobility and reduce congestion.
Key Improvements Coming
- I-264 will be widened to three lanes in each direction from Westport Road to the I-71 interchange
- Three new ramps will be added:
*A two-lane ramp from I-264 to I-71 Northbound
*A two-lane ramp from I-264 Westbound to Westport Rd.
*A new two-lane on-ramp from Brownsboro Rd. to I-264
- The Brownsboro Road bridge over I-264 will be rebuilt and widened from Rudy Lane to Glenview Avenue
Timeline & Travel Tidbits
The entire project is expected to wrap up by fall 2027. During construction, two lanes in each direction will remain open during peak travel times, but drivers should expect shifting traffic patterns and periodic lane closures.
Stay patient, stay alert and plan extra time for your commute if you travel through this area.
For more updates, visit the project page of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
If you would like regular updates from KYTC on this project, you can sign up to receive their weekly newsletter here. A spokesperson for KYTC said they will be posting road closures and openings, as well as project updates.
To view the WLKY News report on the project, click here: https://www.wlky.com/article/watterson-expressway-improvement-project-louisville-i-71/65325047
River Road Construction Update
Week of July 7 – 13
The active construction zone along River Road is moving further east this week. Here’s what you need to know to navigate safely and easily.
Zone 2: River Road between Blankenbaker Lane and Lime Kiln Lane will be limited to local access only. Staggered barricades will allow residents through at River Road’s intersections with Lime Kiln Lane and Blankenbaker Lane.
Construction Activity: Work will be happening between the River Valley Club and Glenview Avenue. This will affect the intersection of Rockledge Drive:
- At the start of the week, Rockledge Drive residents should use Lime Kiln Lane for access.
- As construction progresses, access will switch to Blankenbaker Lane once the open trench moves past Rockledge Drive.
- Please follow on-site signage for the most current entry and exit routes.
Access Details:
Use Blankenbaker Lane to reach: • Knights of Columbus • Rivers Edge Road • Waterglen Place • Longview Lane • Boxhill Lane • Woodside Road • Rockledge Drive (mid-week, after access switch from Lime Kiln Lane)
Use Lime Kiln Lane to reach: • Virginia Chance School • Rockledge Drive (access changes to Blankenbaker Lane mid-week) • Glenview Avenue
Check the map below for exact details and stay safe as we continue improvements. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
Work in Zone 2 is expected to take approximately three to six months. The entire project will continue through the rest of this year and into 2026. Our goal is to complete most of the work along River Road by next summer.
For more information, visit the project website HERE.
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