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
- Traffic is currently shifted to the outside shoulders on both northbound and southbound I-71 between the I-65/I-71 interchange near Frankfort Avenue and the I-71/Zorn Avenue interchange to provide crews adequate space to safely prepare for future widening work.
- Nightly lane closures on I-71 are possible as construction activity ramps up. Asphalt repair work has been completed.
- Edith Road remains closed at the I-71 overpass due to ongoing bridge construction.
- Zorn Avenue northbound is reduced to one lane to accommodate bridge work. Additionally, intermittent flagging operations on Mockingbird Lane at the I-71 overpass should be expected during bridge demolition activities.
- As work on the I-71 widening project progresses, a portion of the Butchertown Greenway shared-use path is closed between River Road and Story Avenue. This closure is necessary to ensure public safety during the reconstruction of the Beargrass Creek bridge and is expected to remain in place for approximately one year. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use Frankfort Avenue or Edith Avenue as alternate routes during this time.
