Winter Storm Alert and Major Ramp Closures Stall Louisville Commutes This Saturday

Winter Weather Advisory Impacts Metro Travel

Louisville commuters are facing a challenging morning this Saturday, January 24, 2026, as a significant winter storm system moves through the region. Mayor Craig Greenberg and city officials have issued a winter weather resource alert, warning of accumulating snowfall throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel as road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. In response to the weather, Louisville Metro has cancelled all garbage and recycling collections for today, and the Waste Reduction Center and Haz Bin locations will remain closed.

Major Interstate and Bridge Restrictions

Aside from the weather, several long-term construction projects continue to impact major arteries across the city. Motorists should be particularly aware of the following closures:

• I-65 Kennedy Bridge: The ongoing expansion joint replacement project remains a significant hurdle. The ramp from I-65 South to I-64 West is currently closed through the end of January. Additionally, the right three lanes and the right shoulder of the Kennedy Bridge are blocked to support work on the southernmost joints of the span.
• Sherman Minton Bridge: While the major renewal project is largely complete, final inspections are scheduled for this weekend. Drivers may encounter short-term, single-lane closures as crews perform safety checks.
• I-71 and I-264 Widening: Construction continues on the I-71 corridor between the I-65 split and Zorn Avenue. Traffic has been shifted to the outside shoulders to accommodate median work. On the Watterson Expressway (I-264), lane shifts remain in place near the U.S. 42 interchange as part of the $130 million widening project.

Local Road Closures and Detours

Several surface street projects are also affecting local traffic patterns today:

• Blevins Gap Road: A portion of Blevins Gap Road near Saw Mill Road is completely closed for a culvert replacement project. This closure is expected to last for several weeks, with a signed detour directing traffic to the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265).
• Chenoweth Lane (KY 1932): Daily and nightly lane closures are in effect between Shelbyville Road (U.S. 60) and Brownsboro Road (U.S. 42) for ongoing roadway and drainage modifications.
• Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265): Maintenance crews are working near the East End Tunnel, with possible single-lane closures throughout the day.

TARC and Public Transit Updates

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has activated its Winter Weather Detour plan. Many fixed-route buses may be diverted from side streets to primary roads to ensure passenger safety. Commuters are advised to check the real-time TARC mobile app for specific route adjustments. Additionally, TARC has reminded the public that while the "New TARC" network redesign is moving forward, the official route and numbering changes are not scheduled to take effect until August 2026.

Commuter Safety Tips

With temperatures expected to remain below freezing, the risk of refreezing on bridges and overpasses is high. Public works crews are currently treating major interstates, but visibility may be limited during periods of heavy snow. If you must drive, keep a safe following distance and allow significant extra time to reach your destination.