Rolling Closures for MLK Motorcade and Major I-65 Bridge Restrictions

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Louisville should prepare for a mix of holiday event closures and significant long-term construction projects today, Monday, January 19, 2026. While the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday typically results in lighter morning traffic volume, major infrastructure work on the I-65 corridor and rolling closures for the annual motorcade will impact travel throughout the city for much of the day.

Interstate Alerts: I-65 and I-71

• I-65 South Bridge (Exit 136C): Traffic is reduced to a single 10-foot lane for maintenance work near Jefferson Street. Wide loads are strictly prohibited, and these restrictions are expected to remain in place through February 2026.
• Kennedy Bridge (I-65 South): The right three lanes and the right shoulder are closed for an expansion joint replacement project.
• I-64/I-65 Ramp: The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West remains closed through the end of the month.
• I-71 & I-264 Widening: Lane narrowing and shoulder closures continue on I-71 between the I-65 interchange and Zorn Avenue, as well as on the Watterson Expressway (I-264) near the Brownsboro Road interchange.

MLK Day Motorcade and Downtown Closures

In celebration of the holiday, the 54th annual MLK Day Motorcade will affect traffic patterns in the West End and downtown. The procession is scheduled to assemble at the Kroger parking lot on West Broadway and depart at 10:30 a.m., moving toward King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on Anderson Street. Motorists should expect rolling closures and temporary delays along the route, particularly on West Broadway and north-south connectors, until approximately 12:00 p.m.

Additionally, South Floyd Street remains closed to through traffic between East Jefferson Street and East Liberty Street due to ongoing bridge maintenance. A signed detour is in place utilizing South Jackson Street to bypass the closure.

Surface Street Impacts and Public Transit

Surface street work continues across the metro area. The "Main Remade" conversion project remains active, impacting the corridor between Goss Avenue and East Gray Street as the city transitions one-way stretches to two-way traffic. Furthermore, eastbound River Road is currently closed between Second and Third Streets for the Louisville Water Company’s pipeline project. Drivers in St. Matthews should also anticipate intermittent delays on Chenoweth Lane (KY 1932) between Shelbyville Road and Brownsboro Road.

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has confirmed that all fixed-route services will operate on a standard Weekday schedule today. While service levels are normal, riders should plan for potential delays on routes intersecting the motorcade path or the heavy construction zones on I-65. TARC administrative offices and the Nia Center kiosks are closed today in observance of the holiday.