UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary Lane Closures on I-71 on Monday, Jan. 5, and Tuesday, Jan. 6, in Louisville
Traffic shifts to the outside shoulders following daytime lane closures
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of temporary daytime lane closures on Interstate 71 North and South, as part of the $50 million I-71 widening and improvement project in Louisville. Traffic will be shifted to the outside shoulders to maintain two travel lanes throughout construction as the project moves into the first phase.
*Updated lane closure dates and times are listed below.
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I-71 South will be reduced to one lane from the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange to the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue on Monday, Jan. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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I-71 North will be reduced to one lane from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Due to recent weather conditions and temperatures, the lane closures are necessary to continue median work that allows contract crews to shift traffic in preparation for widening the interstate. Motorists should heed signage, use caution when traveling through the work zone, and plan ahead for travel delays.
ABOUT THE I-71 WIDENING AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:
The I-71 widening and improvement project is a $50 million infrastructure investment to enhance safety and improve mobility along one of Louisville's most critical travel corridors. The two-year project, focused on increasing traffic capacity and safety, will enhance regional connectivity, provide reliable travel for years to come, and support economic growth.
The project spans approximately two miles of interstate from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange. Additional improvements include the construction of a multiuse path along Zorn Avenue between the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange and Mellwood Avenue, as well as a new median treatment at the intersection of Zorn Avenue and Mellwood Avenue to enhance safety and better define traffic movements.
The project also includes the demolition and reconstruction of the I-71 bridge over Beargrass Creek, along with a latex overlay on the I-71 bridge over I-64 at mile point 0.3 to extend the structure’s service life.
The interstate project is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027. Additional information, including project timelines and traffic impacts, will be shared online as work progresses. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for email alerts to receive weekly traffic updates related to the project.
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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