I-65 Bridge Prep and Post-Winter Pothole Repairs Impacting Sunday Travel

Louisville Traffic and Commute Update: Sunday, March 1, 2026

As we begin the first Sunday of March, Louisville commuters should prepare for a mix of infrastructure projects and essential roadway maintenance. Following recent winter weather, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 has mobilized crews for widespread pothole repairs. While traffic volumes are typically lower on Sunday mornings, several long-term projects and local closures remain in effect across the metro area.

Post-Winter Roadway Maintenance

In response to the recent snow and ice events, KYTC maintenance teams are active throughout the district today. Motorists should be alert for mobile work zones on major interstates and state highways as crews address winter-related roadway wear. These pothole patching operations often result in short-term, rolling lane closures. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and provide ample space for highway workers, especially on high-speed corridors like the Watterson Expressway and I-65.

Major Interstate and Interchange Projects

• I-65 Central Corridor: Preliminary work is currently underway for the $150 million bridge replacement project. While a full closure of I-65 is not scheduled until the summer of 2026, crews are actively working beneath the interstate structures near Kentucky Street, Brook Street, and Bradley Avenue. Currently, impact to mainline traffic remains minimal, but local access beneath the bridges may be restricted.
• I-264 at US 42 (Brownsboro Road): The reconstruction of the interchange into a single-point urban interchange (SPUI) continues. Travelers will encounter reduced lane capacity on the US 42 bridge over I-264. Traffic on the Watterson Expressway itself may be shifted to outside shoulders between Westport Road and I-71 to accommodate ongoing widening efforts.
• River Road: The Louisville Water Company’s residual line project continues to affect traffic flow along the Ohio River corridor. Construction is expected to persist through the summer, potentially causing intermittent delays between Beargrass Creek and Zorn Avenue.

Local Road Closures and Detours

Several significant local street closures are in effect today that may impact neighborhood travel and transit routes:

• Mockingbird Valley and Edith Roads: Both roads remain closed between River Road and Mellwood Avenue for bridge deck reconstruction on the I-71 overpass. These closures are slated to continue through July.
• Rudy Lane: A water main relocation project has closed Rudy Lane between Brownsboro Road and Merrifield Road. Detour signs are posted, but drivers should allow extra time when navigating the area.
• Aiken Road: Expect intermittent lane closures and flagging operations for a drainage project between Avoca Road and 13113 Aiken Road.

Public Transit and TARC Updates

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) reports that all routes are operating on regular Sunday schedules. Following the conclusion of recent winter weather protocols, all weather-related detours have been lifted. Riders should be aware that the TARC Board recently approved updates to the fare schedule; however, these changes generally do not affect the day-to-day operations for today's Sunday service. Commuters are encouraged to use real-time tracking apps to monitor any localized delays caused by the ongoing I-65 and US 42 construction zones.