Downtown Detours and I-65 Lane Restrictions: Saturday Traffic Update for March 7

Morning Overview: Whiskey Row 5K and I-65 Restrictions

Louisville commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for a mix of event-related detours and significant interstate lane reductions this Saturday, March 7, 2026. While the morning begins with relatively light traffic, several major arteries are restricted due to the ongoing I-65 Central Corridor Project and the Whiskey Row 5K taking place downtown.

Major Interstate Alerts: I-65 and I-71

The most significant impact to through-traffic today is on I-65 South. As part of the preliminary work for the I-65 Central Corridor bridge replacements, I-65 South has been reduced from three lanes to just one lane immediately south of the I-64/I-65/I-71 interchange, commonly known as Spaghetti Junction. This restriction is necessary for foundation work and micropiling near the Brook Street overpass.

• I-65 South Ramp Closures: The off-ramp to East St. Catherine Street (Exit 135) and the on-ramp from South First Street near East Jacob Street remain closed. Drivers are advised to use the Jefferson Street or Muhammad Ali Boulevard ramps as alternatives.
• I-71 Widening: Work continues on the I-71 widening project between Spaghetti Junction and Zorn Avenue. Expect narrow lanes and traffic shifted to the outside shoulders.
• Watterson Expressway Prep: Crews are active on I-264 (Watterson Expressway) ramps, widening and restriping in preparation for this summer's planned full closure of I-65.

Downtown Event Detours: Whiskey Row 5K

The annual Whiskey Row 5K is underway this morning, causing multiple street closures in the central business district. Traffic is being diverted from the start/finish areas until approximately 12:00 p.m. TARC has issued a #RiderAlert for the following routes, which will be on detour until the race concludes: #2, #4, #6, #10, #15, #19, #21, #28, #31, #40, #43, #71, and #72.

Local Roadworks and Evening Events

Several long-term local projects remain active today. Drivers in the North End should note that Edith Road and Mockingbird Valley Road are closed for I-71 overpass reconstruction. Additionally, Rudy Lane remains closed between Brownsboro Road and Merrifield Road for water main relocation.

Looking ahead to the evening, heavy traffic is expected near the Kentucky Exposition Center for Monster Jam at Freedom Hall (7:00 p.m.) and around Bowman Field for the 12th Anniversary of the Tailspin Ale Fest. Parking near these venues will be at a premium, so allow an extra 20 minutes for your commute if heading to these events.