TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Solar Lighting Pilot Project to Launch in Jefferson County
Daily ramp closures scheduled on I-64 and I-264 next week
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2024) – As part of ongoing efforts to combat copper wire theft from highway lighting, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will launch a pilot solar lighting program in Jefferson County next week. This pilot project will replace traditional wired lighting systems with solar-powered alternatives at four interstate ramp locations, eliminating copper wiring frequently targeted by thieves.
To install solar-powered lights, daily ramp closures will take place on Interstate 64 and Interstate 264 beginning Monday, Sept. 9.
Ramp Closures:
- The I-64 West on-ramp from Northwestern Parkway and the I-64 East off-ramp at Exit 3 to 22nd Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, and Tuesday, Sept. 10.
- The I-264 West on-ramp from Bank Street and the I-264 East off-ramp at Exit 1 to Bank Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 12.
Motorists should follow signed detour routes, use caution, and expect delays while traveling through the work zone.
Since 2020, copper wire thefts along Kentucky highways have caused nearly $1 million in damages, with approximately 1,400 lights in Jefferson County inoperable due to these crimes. In collaboration with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security, KYTC continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to copper theft.
State and local officials are continuing to seek help from the public to identify these persons or anyone else suspected of stealing copper wire on Kentucky highways.
Kentuckians can contact the following agencies:
- Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.
- Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement (LMPD) by calling 502-574-LMPD (5673) or by utilizing the online crime tip portal.
- Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC.
While copper wire theft also occurs on private property, interstate and highway lighting systems are often targets. This pilot project, which leverages solar energy, is aimed to deter thefts and restore lighting.
The approximately $200,000 solar lighting pilot project is funded through a federal grant. Alongside the project, the University of Louisville’s Kluger Transportation Research Group is conducting a separate research project to assess the effectiveness of solar-powered highway lighting.
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