LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Drivers in Louisville need to know that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is temporarily closing I-65 South to I-64 West ramp tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 18. The closure is part of an expansion joint replacement project on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. 

The ramp closure will begin at 9 a.m. and continue through Monday, Dec. 15. Crews will work on the southernmost expansion joint on the right side of the bridge and prepare for the next construction phase. 

Temporary closure of I-65 South to I-64 West ramp begins Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Louisville and it will be closed until Dec. 15. It is part of the expansion joint replacement project on the Kennedy Bridge. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)

There will be a detour for drivers by continuing on I-65 South to the Waterson Expressway West to reconnect with I-64. Access to I-64 East and I-71 will still be open during the ramp closure.

After the four-week ramp closure, KYTC said crew will move tot he next phase of the replacement project in the left three lanes. They will close the left three lanes of the Kennedy Bridge to replace expansion joints. When crews begin working on that phase of the project, KYTC will announce any closures or detours.

Work on the expansion joint project on the Kennedy Bridge started earlier this year. Expansion joints are critical parts of a bridge deck. They allow the structure to expand and contract with temperature changes, which prevents cracking and preserves the bridge’s long-term structural integrity.

Right now, the right three lanes and the right shoulder of the Kennedy are closed for construction and KYTC said it will be closed through December.