LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear joined state and local leaders on July 28 to announce that Interstate 65 in Louisville would reopen to traffic three days ahead of schedule on July 29, restoring two lanes in each direction and marking a major milestone in the $150 million I-65 Central Corridor Project.

The early reopening follows a planned two-month closure that began June 1 to accelerate replacement of three aging bridges originally constructed in the late 1950s. Beshear also promised there would not be a second full closure of Interstate 65 next summer, a significant commitment as the next phase of work had originally been planned to require another shutdown from May through August to rebuild Hospital Curve and replace five additional bridges.

"We know how important this corridor is to Louisville, and today we're excited to reopen it ahead of schedule so families, visitors, businesses and more can get back to their regular commutes," Beshear said in a statement. Construction on the three bridges is expected to be complete in March 2027, with sidewalks to be reconstructed and modernized lighting installed.

Beshear, who has one year remaining in office, said residents in Jefferson County have dealt with enough disruption. Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the unprecedented two-month shutdown was chosen because it would save at least a year of additional restrictions and construction delays.

A total of nine bridges on the I-65 corridor are being replaced or rehabilitated as part of the overall project. The signed detour route using Interstate 264 on the west side of Louisville remains in effect for through traffic.