TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight Closure of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge in Louisville Beginning Friday, April 3
Work advancing on second and final phase of joint replacement project to preserve bridge
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 1, 2026) – As work on the second and final phase of the expansion joint replacement project continues on the John F. Kennedy Memorial bridge to maintain and preserve the critical Ohio River crossing, contract crews will temporarily close Interstate 65 South overnight on Friday, April 3.
As announced on Feb. 17, crews have completed replacement of the expansion joints in the right three lanes, allowing work to move to the left three lanes of the bridge. A traffic shift implemented in late February now routes vehicles through the right lanes while the left lanes are closed for joint replacement. This traffic pattern will remain in place through project completion – anticipated for the Fall of 2026.
The upcoming 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
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Beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 3, and continuing through 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 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.
Up to three additional overnight closures of the bridge are anticipated as work progresses. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will share specific dates and times once they are scheduled.
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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