Lane Reductions on Brownsboro Road and I-264 Highlight Sunday Traffic Concerns

Sunday Commute Overview

Good morning, Louisville. As we move into Sunday, February 22, 2026, commuters should prepare for several ongoing construction projects that will impact travel across the Metro area. While weekend traffic is typically lighter, major arterial improvements and bridge reconstructions are currently in high gear. Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time, particularly when navigating the Watterson Expressway and the I-65 corridor near downtown.

Major Project: I-264 and U.S. 42 Improvement

The most significant impact today remains the I-264 and U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road) Improvement Project. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the following restrictions are in place for the week of Sunday, February 22:

• U.S. 42 Eastbound: Traffic is reduced to a single through lane west of Rudy Lane.
• U.S. 42 Westbound: Traffic is reduced to a single through lane at the Northfield Drive intersection.
• Watterson Expressway (I-264): Mainline traffic remains shifted toward the outside shoulders in both directions between Westport Road and the I-71 interchange.

These measures are necessary to facilitate the ongoing reconstruction of the Brownsboro Road bridge over I-264, which is slated for completion in June 2026. While on-ramps to I-264 from U.S. 42 are currently unaffected, the lane reductions on the surface street are causing intermittent backups.

I-65 Central Corridor and Bridge Work

Motorists traveling through the urban core should be mindful of the I-65 Central Corridor Project. Crews are actively working on bridge safety and mobility enhancements. This Sunday, traffic relief efforts continue along designated detour routes for I-65 and I-264. Drivers may encounter temporary ramp closures near the Hill Street and CSX rail line crossings. These updates are part of a larger multi-phase effort to replace deteriorating bridges near the downtown area that launched late last year.

Surface Street Closures and Detours

Several local road closures are also in effect this morning:

• Mockingbird Valley Road and Edith Road: Both streets remain closed between River Road and Mellwood Avenue. This closure allows for bridge deck reconstruction on the I-71 overpass and is expected to last through July.
• Rudy Lane: A total closure is in effect between Brownsboro Road and Merrifield Road for a water main relocation project by the Louisville Water Company. This detour will remain in place until mid-April.
• Aiken Road: Expect intermittent lane closures with flagging operations on the westbound lane near Avoca Road for drainage improvements.

TARC and Public Transit

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) reports that all bus services are operating on regular Sunday schedules. All previous winter weather detours have been lifted, and no major service disruptions are reported for today. Riders should note that while a major network redesign is planned for later this year, current routes and stop locations remain unchanged for today’s travel.

Commuter Safety Tips

With maintenance crews potentially performing pothole repairs and drain cleaning on major interstates during non-peak hours today, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds drivers to move over and slow down for yellow lights. Stay alert for roadside workers and follow all posted signage in work zones to ensure a safe Sunday commute.