TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight Closures of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge in Louisville Postponed
Additional short-term I-65 ramp closures necessary for work related to high-friction surface treatment project
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2025) – Planned overnight closures of Interstate 65 South on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge in Louisville have been postponed as contract crews prepare for the next phase of the bridge expansion joint replacement project. Motorists should also note additional I-65 ramp closures are planned next week for striping operations related to the recent high-friction surface project.
Kennedy Bridge Project Traffic Changes
This past Friday night’s overnight closure provided contractors the opportunity to perform substantial work underneath the bridge. However, engineers found additional measurements of the steel bearings and further analysis are needed before continuing repairs and scheduling additional overnight bridge closures.
This evaluation will require an extension of the overall project timeline to allow crews to verify repairs with the highest level of precision, helping ensure that the new expansion joints perform reliably and support the longevity of the bridge. Additional overnight closures of I-65 South to complete repairs on the right side of the bridge will be scheduled once the engineering assessments are complete. New dates will be shared as soon as they are confirmed. This schedule adjustment will not impact the upcoming I-65 Central Corridor project or its established detour routes.
To maintain progress on the project, crews are continuing work on the southernmost expansion joint on the right side of the bridge to prepare for the next repair phase. The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West closed Tuesday, and will remain closed through Monday, Dec. 15.
Following the four-week ramp closure, contract crews will transition to the next phase of the expansion joint replacement project in the left three lanes. This will require closing the left three lanes of the Kennedy Bridge to begin replacing expansion joints on the left side of the structure. Additional details on the upcoming traffic shift will be shared when available.
Separate Ramp Closures as Part of High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) Project
Since overnight interstate closures have been postponed, additional ramp closures will be necessary for contract crews to perform secondary work associated with the recently installed high-friction surface treatment (HFST) on I-65 South just past the Kennedy Bridge. Crews will apply permanent striping on the I-65 South to I-71 North ramp on Sunday, Nov. 23, requiring a closure from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the I-65 South ramp to Jefferson Street/Downtown will be closed Monday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kennedy Bridge Expansion Joint Project
Work on replacing bridge expansion joints began earlier this year as a more permanent solution for damaged joints and to replace all joints, promoting safer and smoother traffic flow. Expansion joints are critical components of a bridge deck that allow the structure to safely expand and contract with temperature changes. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and preserves the bridge’s long-term structural integrity.
Currently, the right three lanes and right shoulder of the Kennedy Bridge remain closed for ongoing construction and are expected to remain closed through December, with the ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West closed through Monday, Dec. 15.
Hall Contracting of Kentucky Inc. is performing the joint replacement work under a $6.9 million contract. The project is expected to be completed next Fall, with lane closures continuing as needed. KYTC will provide updates on future traffic impacts as information becomes available.
The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. For the latest traffic and travel updates across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, visit goky.ky.gov. Information specific to District 5 counties is also available on Facebook and X.
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