TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary Daytime Lane Closures on I-71 North and South in Louisville
Overnight lane closures scheduled for the week of Monday, Jan. 12
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 12, 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.
Temporary daytime lane closures may occur on I-71 North and South, from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 14. Overnight lane closures are also possible from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The planned temporary daytime and overnight lane closures are necessary for contract crews to install barrier walls, patch potholes, and complete corrective striping work in advance of construction activities in the median. Following temporary daytime lane closures last week, traffic is now shifted to the outside shoulders to maintain two travel lanes throughout construction as the project progresses into the first phase.
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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