Overnight Bridge Beam Setting to Cause Significant Delays on I-71 Northbound in Gallatin and Carroll Counties on Monday, June 30
Series of rolling roadblocks scheduled; avoid the area and plan an alternate route
COVINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of overnight bridge work scheduled for Monday, June 30, on Interstate 71 northbound between mile points 53.6 and 53.3, which is expected to cause significant delays for through traffic.
Beginning at approximately 7 p.m., contractors will begin setting bridge beams for the new I-71 overpass bridge over KY 47. This work will require six rolling roadblocks, each consisting of a 25-minute slow roll at 10-15 mph, followed by a complete stop of up to 15 minutes to accommodate the delivery and placement of each beam. After each beam is set, traffic will be allowed to clear before the next roadblock begins. The process will repeat six times throughout the night.
Although traffic will continue to move at reduced speeds during the rolling portion of the operation, motorists should anticipate total delays of more than one hour and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes. All work is expected to be completed by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at which time all traffic control devices will be removed from the roadway.
In addition to the I-71 northbound impacts, KY 47 will experience up to six temporary closures of approximately 15 minutes each, managed by flaggers. These closures will occur only during the actual beam setting process and will help ensure safety for all travelers in the area.
Through traffic, especially commercial vehicles and long-distance travelers, are advised to consider going from Louisville toward Lexington by using I-64 East from to I-75 North as a detour route. While this alternate route adds approximately 30 - 40 minutes of drive time, it may ultimately save time and avoid significant congestion along I-71.
This work is part of the ongoing I-71 widening project on an approximately 4.59 mile portion of I-71 in Gallatin and Carroll Counties.
Project Background
A project aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety on a portion of I-71 in Gallatin and Carroll counties began on Monday, March 3.
The project will widen I-71 from its configuration of two lanes in each direction, to three lanes in each direction with a shared median wall.
I-71 is being widened in the following areas:
- Gallatin County: beginning at the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41) extending northeasterly to west of Sparta Pike (KY 35) (mile point 57.36), a distance of 3.95 miles.
- Carroll County: beginning at mile point 52.77 extending northeasterly to the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41), a distance of 0.64 miles.
The shoulder(s) have been paved to temporarily accommodate two lanes of traffic during construction. Most of the work is currently taking place in the median behind barrier wall.
This widening project includes a bridge replacement over KY 47. The current bridges will be replaced with a new, single span bridge matching the median widening throughout the project area.
The speed limit has been reduced throughout the project area to 55 miles-per-hour to keep crews safe as they work to improve the corridor.
Eaton Asphalt Paving Co., Inc. is contractor to perform the nearly $42 million project on behalf of KYTC. Weather permitting, the overall project has an expected completion date of Nov. 1, 2026.
You can find more information on the project here.
Project schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For the most current information on road construction in Northern Kentucky, please visit the District 6 Roadshow or the Driving Northern Kentucky Progress website. You can also stay informed by following KYTC District 6 on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). For statewide traffic and travel updates, visit GoKY.
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