TRAFFIC ADVISORY: John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge Expansion Joint Replacement Project Advancing to Final Phase
Traffic shift scheduled for this weekend (Feb. 20-21)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 17, 2026) – Work on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge is advancing to the second and final phase of the expansion joint replacement project, which began last year. To assist with the implementation of a traffic shift, rolling roadblocks and lane closures are scheduled to begin Friday, Feb. 20.
Contract crews have completed the replacement of the expansion joints in the right three lanes, allowing work to advance to replacing expansion joints in the left three lanes of the bridge.
To safely shift traffic and begin the final phase of work, rolling roadblocks and lane closures will take place on Interstate 65 South on the Kennedy Bridge beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, continuing through 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. During this time, traffic on southbound I-65 will be reduced to the right two lanes to allow contract crews to safely shift all traffic.
As part of this transition, the I-65 South to I-64 West ramp, which has been closed to support work on the southernmost expansion joint, will reopen. Following this weekend’s traffic changes, all traffic will be using the right three lanes while work takes place in the left three lanes to replace the remaining expansion joints. This traffic pattern will remain in place through project completion.
Overnight closures of the bridge are expected during the final phase of the project. The overnight closures are 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. Additional details on upcoming overnight closures will be shared when available.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also coordinated this work with other Louisville area projects to reduce traffic impacts as much as possible.
Motorists should expect delays this weekend to accommodate the traffic shift and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, or seek alternate routes.
Kennedy Bridge Expansion Joint Project
Work on replacing bridge expansion joints began in February 2025 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.
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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