Jefferson County: I-71 Widening to Six Lanes from Downtown to I-265 - Projects 5-48.10 & 5-557

557 Widening pic.jpg

Purpose	Reduce traffic congestion and improve safety along this critical corridor
Project Scope	I-71 Widening from Downtown Louisville to I-265
Type of Project	Two projects will encompass this widening: Currently under construction: Project 5-48.10 is to widen I-71 from Downtown to just north of Zorn Ave Five pairs of interstate bridges are being addressed with this project. Traffic operations are being addressed, and a bike/pedestrian facility is being added along Zorn Ave. through the interchange area. Construction began in late 2025 and is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027. Construction details can be found here. Project 5-557.00 is to widen I-71 from Zorn Avenue to I-265. In addition to I-71 interstate widening, this project included a study of the I-71/I-264 interchange (Exit 5) to improve traffic operations and safety and promote the reliability of the regional interstate system. That study can be found here.
Project Timeline	Project 5-48.10 - widen I-71 from Downtown to just north of Zorn Ave Construction began in late 2025 and is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027. Construction details can be found here. Project 5-557.00 - widen I-71 from Zorn Avenue to I-265 and improve the I-71/I-264 interchange. The project is currently in the design phase. KYTC's 2026 Highway Plan has funding for the Right-of-way & Utility phases in 2028 & 2030, respectively. The Construction phase is pending the availability of funding.* *The above project milestone dates are subject to change due to changes in funding availability within the next Enacted Highway Plan.
Links	Click here for the interactive website: https://bit.ly/ This website will provide general information about both projects and details on the developed alternatives/improvement concepts. 5-557.00 I-71 & I-264 Interchange Study Final Report_06-21-2021.pdf 5-557.00 I-71 & I-264 Interchange Study Final Report Appendicies_06-21-2021.pdf *Some files are large and may take a few minutes to load.
Project Manager	Pat Matheny, P.E. Email: Patrick.Matheny@ky.gov Phone: 502.764.0835

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Page Last Updated: 10-13-2026

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