Department of Highways, District 5
Roadway Improvements to Begin on Interstate 71 in Jefferson County

Roadway Improvements to Begin on Interstate 71 in Jefferson County

Louisville, KY (July 29, 2011) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 Office advises motorists to be aware of impending construction on Interstate 71 between Interstate 64 in downtown Louisville and Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway). Work is scheduled to begin the week of August 1st to resurface the roadway and perform bridge deck repairs.

Milling of the old asphalt and resurfacing will take place between Interstate 64 and the Blankenbaker Lane overpass (mile points 0.0 and 3.5).  Repairs will be made to the concrete on nine sets of bridges between downtown and I-264 (mile points 0.0 and 5.5).

Gohmann Asphalt and Construction was awarded the contract for this project in the amount of $10.9 million.  The work is scheduled for completion by December 15, 2011. 

The roadway may be reduced to one lane weeknights Monday – Thursday from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. On weekends, lane closures are possible from 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 a.m. on Monday.  Lane closures will not be allowed on holidays.

During some of the bridge work, Interstate 71 will be reduced to one lane for approximately two weeks.  These two-week closure periods for each direction will take place in September and October.  More details will be provided as the project progresses.

On average, 60,000 vehicles travel this section of roadway each day.  The speed limit in the work zone will be reduced to 55 MPH.

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.  Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Traffic information for the District 5 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

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