LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Paving operations will once again close parts of Interstate 71 and Interstate 64 through downtown Louisville from Friday, June 1 through Monday morning, June 4.
Crews will be paving the final asphalt surface on the northbound side of I-71. To speed up the work the northbound lanes will be closed to all traffic between I-64 in downtown Louisville and I-264 (mile points 0.0 and 5.5), better known as the Watterson Expressway. The closure will start at 8 p.m. Friday and is expected to last until 6 a.m. on June 4.
"As with the paving done on southbound I-71 last month, complete closure of the interstate will be utilized to pave the northbound lanes," said Matt Bullock, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways, Louisville District. "The work can be done in a shorter time frame than the traditional method of closing one lane at a time."
Bullock said the process will also provide a better quality product on the roadway. Because both of the driving lanes will be paved simultaneously, Bullock said that will allow the joint between the lanes to be sealed up while the asphalt is still hot enough to be compacted. According to Bullock, if the work is not done that way water would seep into the joint and eventually lead to potholes.
The entrance and exit ramps on northbound I-71 at Zorn Avenue (Exit 2) will also be closed during the weekend. During the closure of northbound I-71, a detour via eastbound I-64 and eastbound I-264 (Watterson Expressway) will be in place.
In addition to the closures along I-71, eastbound lanes of I-64 will also closed from 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2 until 8 a.m. Sunday, June 3 for bridge repairs on the Witherspoon Street overpass. Drivers must follow the signed detour via southbound I-65 to eastbound I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and then reconnect with I-64.
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