KYTC announces additional lane closures on Kennedy Bridge

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced need for an additional lane closure for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. While at work on June 26, construction crews discovered that the upper layer of reinforcing steel is too close to the roadway surface. The steel must be covered, which will require more concrete. Due to additional concrete, larger machines are needed and will take up more than one lane. For this reason, traffic will be reduced to one lane at prescribed times.


I-65 southbound was reduced to one lane beginning at 8 p.m. on June 26 while two lanes remained open on I-65 northbound. KYTC says the traffic pattern will be in place until July 4. To help reduce congestion on weekdays, KYTC will designate three lanes on the Clark Memorial Bridge to flow southbound to Louisville from Southern Indiana.

Following this phase of construction, KYTC will do the opposite for the second phase designating one lane for motorists on I-65 northbound and two lanes on I-65 southbound. This reverse traffic pattern will begin on July 4 at midnight.

The following ramp closures will remain in effect throughout the duration of the project: the exit ramp from eastbound I-64 to northbound I-65 in Kentucky, the exit ramp from southbound I-65 to Market Street in Indiana, and the entrance ramp from Court Avenue to southbound I-65 in Indiana. The exit ramps from southbound I-65 to eastbound I-64/northbound I-71 and westbound I-64 are currently closed, but will reopen on July 3. Also, the exit ramps from northbound I-65 to eastbound I-64/northbound I-71 and westbound I-64 will remain closed until July 7.

All construction is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2012. KYTC offers construction and traffic updates at http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Traffic information for all eight counties in District 5 is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

TARC service changes will take effect August 12

The TARC Board of Directors has approved a plan to reduce service taking effect on August 12. Only half of the initially proposed routes will be eliminated. TARC approved the plan based on recent positive financial developments and agreements to purchase diesel fuel at a lower price.


TARC will discontinue three routes in Indiana: #74-Jeffersonville Park and Ride, #65x-Southern Indiana Express and #73x-Charlestown Road Express. The other two eliminated routes will be #37x-Iroquois-Fairdale Express and #38x-Deering Road Express.

TARC received over 800 public comments on the proposed changes at six public meetings held in May during a public comment period. TARC understands that the changes will have a negative impact on riders, but insists that it is necessary to balance the budget. TARC warns it is possible to eliminate service again in the future due to limited funding and rising costs.

TARC will restructure service in Indiana on a new Indiana-only route (#82). The route will access Veterans Parkway in Clarksville linking New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville. TARC’s plan to access River Ridge Commerce Center will be delayed due to safety concerns of a road ramp and railroad crossing at Indiana 62 and I-265.

The change in service will save an estimated $607,000 in operating costs next fiscal year.  Recent fare increases will take effect July 1, 2012. Visit http://www.ridetarc.org/ for more information.

"Dump the Pump" Tomorrow

Want to “dump the pump?” TARC is encouraging commuters to save money and ride transit instead of taking a car tomorrow. The seventh annual National Dump the Pump Day is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).


TARC wants to remind commuters that transit is an inexpensive and efficient way to travel around Kentuckiana. AAA quotes the current price of fuel in the Louisville area at $3.609 per gallon—a $.50 increase from last year’s prices. Public transportation is the easiest way to beat gas prices, so “dump the pump” tomorrow and ride TARC.

For additional information visit http://www.facebook.com/ridetarc or http://www.twitter.com/ridetarc.

TARC ticket and pass rates are increasing

TARC rate increases will take effect on July 1, 2012. TARC passes with new pricing is available for purchase at www.ridetarc.org and at TARC headquarters at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway. TARC passes can also be purchased at Fifth Third Bank locations, the NIA Center, and the Louisville Free Public Library Main Branch located on York Street in downtown Louisville.


From now to July 31, passengers may use old tickets and pay the additional fare amount when they board; however, after July 31, old tickets will be void. Old tickets may be exchanged with payment of the increased fare amount, but only at Union Station.

A monthly pass will now cost $50 and a one-way base cash fare will now cost $1.75. TARC3 service to individuals with disabilities will now cost $3.00. TARC continues to review route changes, which will be determined by June 30 and take effect August 12.

For updates and additional information, passengers can visit http://www.ridetarc.org/, www.facebook.com/ridetarc or call customer service at 585-1234 or TTY: 587-8255.