Kennedy Bridge Ramp Closures and Winter Detours Impact Thursday Commute

Morning Traffic Overview: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Louisville commuters should prepare for a complex drive this morning, Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the city continues to recover from the effects of Winter Storm Fern while navigating several major long-term infrastructure projects. While primary interstate routes have been largely cleared of heavy snow, secondary roads and bridge surfaces remain susceptible to refreezing during the early morning hours. Motorists are urged to use caution on overpasses and exit ramps.

Major Interstate Alerts

One of the most significant impacts on the downtown commute remains the ongoing work on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. The ramp connecting I-65 South to I-64 West is currently closed as crews perform essential expansion joint replacements. This closure was recently extended through the end of January, causing significant bottlenecks for drivers heading into the city from Southern Indiana. Furthermore, the right three lanes and the right shoulder of the Kennedy Bridge remain closed to support the structural repairs.

• I-71 Widening: The $50 million improvement project continues between the I-264 interchange and the Gene Snyder Freeway. Traffic has been shifted to the outside shoulders to maintain two travel lanes, but daytime lane closures are expected to cause slowdowns during off-peak hours.
• I-64 Bridge Work: Near Exit 10 (Cannons Lane), lane closures are possible throughout the day as bridge replacement activities enter their final configuration phases.

Local Road Closures and Surface Street Impacts

Several arterial and local roads are currently restricted or closed for emergency repairs and planned construction:

• Blevins Gap Road: This corridor remains closed near Saw Mill Road for a culvert replacement project. Commuters should utilize the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) Dixie Highway or Stonestreet Road exits as primary detours.
• Lexington Road: Drivers should avoid the area between Axis and Payne Street. Recent hydrant ruptures caused significant icing and slick conditions earlier this week, and utility crews continue to monitor the pavement integrity.
• Chenoweth Lane (KY 1932): Safety and drainage improvements are underway between Shelbyville Road and Brownsboro Road. Expect lane shifts and potential delays as flaggers manage traffic through the work zone.
• S. Second Street: Northbound lanes between Broadway and Chestnut Street remain partially restricted for sidewalk and curb repairs.

Public Transit (TARC) Updates

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) continues to operate under its winter weather detour protocol for several routes to ensure safety on secondary roads. Riders should anticipate delays and missed stops on the following routes:

• Route 15 (Market Street): Missing stops between Brownsboro Road and Country Club Road.
• Route 21 (Chestnut Street): Missed stops between Dundee Road and Emerson Avenue.
• Route 31 (Shelbyville Road): Bypassing stops along Heafer Road in the Berrytown area.
• Route 43 (Portland/Poplar Level): Missed stops on the Vaughn Mill loop.

While most primary service has been restored, TARC officials recommend that passengers use real-time tracking apps to confirm bus locations as cleanup from the recent winter storm continues.