Interstate 65 in Louisville will reopen three days ahead of schedule in the early morning hours Wednesday as crews complete work on the I-65 Central Corridor project, Gov. Andy Beshear announced through his office.

The planned two-month closure began June 1 and was originally set to end Aug. 1, but crews replacing three aging bridges have made significant progress ahead of schedule. The reopening means the five-mile stretch between the Watterson Expressway and downtown Louisville will be accessible to traffic in both directions sooner than anticipated.

The $150 million I-65 Central Corridor project involves replacing three overpasses built in the late 1950s that had deteriorated to poor condition. The bridges being replaced span Kentucky and Brook streets, Hill Street with the CSX railroad and Burnett Avenue, and Bradley Avenue.

Drivers should note that while the interstate will reopen, traffic will be limited to two lanes in both directions with a 40 mph speed limit as construction continues. The full completion of all project phases is expected in 2028, with ongoing lane restrictions anticipated through mid-2027.

The full closure strategy was chosen to accelerate the overall project timeline and save at least a year of construction delays. Transportation officials emphasized that the early reopening reflects strong crew performance and favorable construction conditions during the summer months.