Sunday Traffic Update: Downtown Congestion and I-264 Construction Shifts

Expect Delays Near I-264 and Brownsboro Road

As we move through the middle of February, major infrastructure projects continue to dictate the flow of traffic in East Louisville. The I-264/U.S. 42 Improvement Project remains in its active first phase this morning. Commuters using the Watterson Expressway should expect significant traffic shifts between Westport Road and the I-71 interchange. Traffic has been moved to the outside shoulders to allow for median work and the ongoing reconstruction of the U.S. 42 (Brownsboro Road) bridge.

Drivers on U.S. 42 itself will find the bridge reduced to one through lane in each direction. Additionally, the intersection at Rudy Lane is currently operating under a temporary configuration; southbound Rudy Lane features a two-lane left turn, and motorists are encouraged to pay close attention to new signage to avoid merging confusion. While heavy machinery is generally stationary on Sundays, the narrowed lanes and jersey barriers require reduced speeds throughout the work zone.

TARC Service Shakeups: New Routes in Effect

Public transit users are reminded that the significant TARC service reductions and route mergers that began in late January are now fully in effect. If you are heading to work or an event today, please double-check your route as several long-standing lines have changed. Most notably, Route #22 (Twenty-Second Street) has been merged into Route #18 (Dixie Highway), and Route #63 (Crums Lane) has been absorbed into Route #29 (Eastern Parkway).

• Route #17 (Bardstown Road): This line now terminates at Eastern Parkway. Passengers destined for downtown must transfer to the #23 or #40 lines.
• Airport Access: Regular service to the main passenger terminal remains limited following recent budget-related cuts; TARC 3 paratransit users should schedule trips well in advance.
• Winter Weather Update: Following the mid-week flurry, all winter weather detours were officially lifted on February 11. All buses are currently operating on their standard Sunday schedules.

Downtown Activity: Game Day and Theater Alerts

Expect localized congestion in the downtown core this afternoon and evening. The KFC Yum! Center will host the Louisville Cardinals Women’s Basketball team against Florida State at 6:00 PM. High pedestrian volume and heavy traffic are expected along Main Street and the Second Street Bridge approaches starting around 4:30 PM.

Simultaneously, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is hosting matinee and evening performances of "The Great Gatsby." This will lead to tighter parking availability near Whitney Hall and potential slow-downs on West Main Street. If you are not attending these events, utilizing the Muhammad Ali Boulevard corridor may offer a faster transit through the city center. Finally, be aware of ongoing utility work on River Road between Zorn Avenue and Prospect, which continues to result in intermittent shoulder closures for water line installations.