Gov. Beshear Announces $130 Million I-264 and U.S. 42 Interchange Improvement Project in Louisville
Major infrastructure enhancement to enhance safety, reduce congestion and support growth
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 7, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a major infrastructure investment to enhance safety, improve mobility and support future growth in Louisville. This $130 million project will increase capacity on Interstate Highway 264 (Watterson Expressway), Interstate Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 42, upgrading one of Louisville’s busiest interchanges while ensuring a more efficient and reliable transportation network for motorists.
The nearly three-year project includes reconstructing the I-264/U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road) interchange to a single-point urban interchange (SPUI), widening and pavement upgrades on I-264 between Kentucky Highway 1447 (Westport Road) and I-71, the rebuilding and widening of the U.S. 42 bridge over I-264, and the addition of new two-lane ramps from I-264 eastbound to I-71 northbound and from I-264 westbound to Westport Road. A new two-lane on-ramp will also be added at U.S. 42 to I-264 westbound to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
“This project is about making life better for Kentucky families,” said Gov. Beshear. “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.”
Upon completion, the I-264 corridor from KY 1447 (Westport Road) to the I-264/I-71 interchange will feature three lanes in each direction, improving mobility and reducing congestion. The I-264/U.S. 42 interchange serves more than 70,000 drivers daily and is a critical connection point between the Watterson Expressway, U.S. 42, and surrounding neighborhoods, schools, businesses and health-care facilities.
During construction, two lanes in each direction on I-264 will remain open around peak travel hours. Drivers should anticipate changing traffic patterns, lane shifts and periodic lane closures as work progresses.
The interstate project, beginning this week, is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027. The work is being carried out by Cleary Construction Inc. of Monroe County, Kentucky. More details, including project timelines and traffic impacts, will be shared online as work progresses. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for email alerts regarding weekly traffic impacts pertaining to the project.
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