Tractor-trailers and vehicles with loads wider than 11 ft. will not be permitted through the work zone on I-71 between Watterson Expressway and downtown Louisville, KY, as a major repaving project gets underway April 19. A marked detour for trucks will be in place via I-264 and I-64.
Highway officials acknowledge that lengthy delays are expected on the major morning and evening commutes in and out of downtown, and motorists are being encouraged to consider alternative routes or allow extra drive time. On average, about 60,000 vehicles use that section of the I-71 each day.
“We ask that people allow extra time to get to their destination. It’s all being done to improve the interstate system for the traveling public and trying to improve the roadways to give motorists a better ride,” said Andrea Clifford, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Louisville district.
Detoured truck traffic will impact traffic patterns on other interstates — particularly I-64 — affecting thousands of drivers, Clifford said.
Crews will take a break from re-paving during the city's Derby festivities, but work will resume on the northbound lanes for a couple of week in mid-May.
Work is currently scheduled for completion in June.
