Slick Roads and Major I-65 Reductions Impact Friday Commute

Morning Commute: Rain and Slick Pavement

Commuters heading out this morning, Friday, January 23, 2026, should prepare for damp and potentially hazardous conditions. A weather system moving through the Ohio Valley is bringing widespread rain to the Louisville metro area, leading to slick pavement during the peak morning travel hours. While temperatures remain relatively mild, the National Weather Service warns that visibility may be reduced on major arteries like the Watterson Expressway and the Gene Snyder Freeway. Drivers are urged to increase following distances and allow extra time for their morning trips.

Significant Downtown Delays on I-65

The most significant bottleneck for today’s commute remains the ongoing bridge maintenance project on the I-65 South corridor. The I-65 South bridge, stretching from Exit 136C to Jefferson Street, is currently reduced to a single 10-foot lane. This restriction is expected to remain in place through February 2026. Because of the narrow lane width, wide loads are strictly prohibited from using this ramp. In coordination with this work, South Floyd Street is closed between East Jefferson Street and East Liberty Street. A signed detour is in place, directing motorists from East Liberty to South Jackson Street, then back onto East Jefferson Street.

I-64 Blasting Operations and Bridge Work

Motorists using I-64 should be mindful of two separate work zones today:

• Rolling Roadblocks: Daily blasting operations for the I-64 widening project continue between mile points 36 and 37. Drivers should expect rolling roadblocks between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Traffic may be slowed or completely stopped for up to 15 minutes during these intervals.
• Cannons Lane Bridge Replacement: Final phases of the bridge replacement project near Exit 10 (Cannons Lane) and the I-264 interchange are underway. While traffic is in its final configuration, intermittent lane closures are possible throughout the day for punch-list items.

Local Road Alerts: River Road and Blevins Gap

Local commuters should also account for several long-term projects affecting surface streets. The Louisville Water Company’s project along River Road continues from Zorn Avenue to Prospect, often resulting in shifting lane patterns. Additionally, Blevins Gap Road remains closed near the 4021 block. Drivers needing to bypass this area should use the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) as the primary detour route.

Public Transit and TARC Updates

TARC is operating on a standard weekday schedule today. Passengers are reminded that several route changes implemented last year remain in effect, including the merger of Route 22 into Route 18 (Dixie Highway) and Route 63 into Route 29 (Eastern Parkway). While a massive network overhaul is scheduled for later this year in August, today’s service remains stable, barring minor delays caused by the morning rain.