About the I-71 Widening Project
The I-71 widening and improvement project is a $50 million infrastructure investment to enhance safety and improve mobility along one of Louisville's most critical travel corridors. The two-year project, focused on increasing traffic capacity and safety, will enhance regional connectivity, provide reliable travel for years to come, and support economic growth. The interstate project is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027.
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Widening and Pavement Upgrades/Rehabilitation
The work zone will extend along a 2-mile section of I-71. During construction, traffic along the current two lanes in each direction will remain open during peak travel times as crews widen the interstate to six lanes and make pavement improvements from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange.
Bridge Reconstruction
The project includes the demolition and reconstruction of I-71 bridges. Additionally, a latex overlay will be applied to the I-71 bridge over I-64 at mile point 0.3 to extend its service life.
Additional Improvements
The project includes additional enhancements, including a multi-use path on Zorn Avenue between the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange and Mellwood Avenue, as well as the installation of a median treatment at the Zorn Avenue and Mellwood Avenue intersection to improve safety and define traffic movements.
Traffic Impacts
Following temporary daytime lane closures last week, traffic is now shifted to the outside shoulders to maintain two travel lanes throughout construction as the project progresses into the first phase.
Temporary daytime lane closures may occur on I-71 North and South, from the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue to the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 14. Overnight lane closures are also possible from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The lane closures are necessary for contract crews to install barrier walls, patch potholes, and complete corrective striping work in advance of construction activities in the median. Motorists should heed signage, use caution when traveling through the work zone, and plan ahead for travel delays.
