TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight Closure of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge in Louisville Beginning Friday, Jan. 9
Work advancing on joint replacement project to preserve bridge
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2026) – Contractors will temporarily close Interstate 65 South on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge overnight Friday, Jan. 9, as work progresses on a bridge expansion joint replacement project to maintain and preserve the critical Ohio River crossing. Following recent work and engineering analysis of steel components, crews are advancing repairs in the right three lanes in preparation for the next phase of the project.
The overnight closure is necessary to prevent any bridge movement while contract crews perform steel repairs underneath the roadway. This work involves precision machining, known as line boring, and the bridge must remain free of traffic to ensure the accuracy and alignment of the repairs.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also coordinated this work with other Louisville area projects to reduce traffic impacts as much as possible.
Temporary Kennedy Bridge Closure
- Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and continuing through 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, all lanes of I-65 South will be closed just past Exit 1 to U.S. 31 South/Stansifer Avenue/10th Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Motorists should plan to detour by taking I-265 West to I-64 East to reconnect with I-65 South.
The I-65 South to I-64 West ramp closure, which began Nov. 18, 2025, as part of the ongoing bridge expansion joint replacement project, will remain in place through January to support work on the southernmost expansion joint on the right side of the bridge. In addition to the ramp closure, the right three lanes and right shoulder of the Kennedy Bridge remain closed.
Following this weekend’s overnight closure and one additional anticipated overnight closure, contract crews will shift operations to the next phase of the project. This phase will focus on replacing expansion joints in the left three lanes, requiring those lanes to be closed as work moves to the left side of the structure. Details regarding the final overnight closure and the upcoming traffic shift will be announced once confirmed.
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.
Hall Contracting of Kentucky Inc. is performing the joint replacement work under a $6.9 million contract. The project is expected to be completed this 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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