Department of Highways, District 5
Weekend Closures will allow Improvements to be Performed on 5 Miles of Interstate 65

Governor Fletcher and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Award $6.9 Million Contract in Jefferson County

Improvements to be Performed on 5 Miles of Interstate 65

Louisville, KY – (September 4, 2006) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently awarded a $6.9 million contract for improvements on Interstate 65 near downtown Louisville.  To expedite this construction and provide minimal inconvenience to the traveling public, weekend closures will be utilized. 

“Governor Fletcher’s directive for a highway project is that it improve safety and provide economic benefits,” said Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert.  “Drivers will see the safety components of this rebuilding project in the smooth driving surface when they travel I-65 to work, school, shopping and other destinations.  Economically, many Kentucky based companies depend on I-65 to ship their products. By performing the majority of this work on weekends, disruptions to the business community, as well as other motorists, will be minimized.  Furthermore, the construction schedule also provides a safer work zone for the highway crews tasked with this project.”

Asphalt pavement rehabilitation will be performed on 5 miles of Interstate 65 in Jefferson County between Interstate 64 and Phillips Lane (mile point 136.4 to 131.2).  An asphalt waterproofing membrane will be applied to the bridge decks in “hospital curve” and new guardrail will be installed the entire length of the project.

Interstate 65 will be closed completely in one direction between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and Interstate 64 from 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 5:00 a.m. on Monday for four weekends.  The weekend closures will begin with the northbound side of Interstate 65 on Friday, September 8, 2006.  Motorists should follow the signed detour via westbound I-264 to eastbound I-64 and reconnecting with I-65 at the John F. Kennedy Bridge. 

Weekend closures will not be in place during University of Louisville home football games.  Lane closures will also be utilized on weeknights between the hours of 7:00 p.m. in the evening until 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

Gohmann Asphalt and Construction was awarded the low bid contract in the amount of $6,973,000.  The anticipated completion for this project is December 1, 2006.

For the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov.

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