Several ramp and lane closures planned the next few days

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 Office has announced several ramp or lane closures. Be prepared and see the list below:

• Temporary ramp closures at the interchange of Interstate 64 and Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway): Contract crews will be paving southbound I-265 at this location and may need to close some of the ramps to complete this work. Ramps in the interchange could be closed at various points on today (July 31st) and tomorrow (August 1st) from 8:00 p.m. each evening until 5:00 a.m. the following morning. The ramps impacted by this work are:
• Exit ramp from southbound I-265 to eastbound I-64 (Exit 25A)
• Exit ramp from southbound I-265 to westbound I-64 (Exit 25B)
• Exit ramp from westbound I-64 to southbound I-265 (Exit 19A)
• Eastbound Interstate 64 will be reduced to one lane in Jefferson County at the bridge over Hurstbourne Parkway (mile point 15.0). These lane closures are scheduled for today (July 31st) and Thursday (August 2nd) from 6:30 p.m. until midnight each evening. KYTC crews will be performing bridge deck repairs.
• Lane closure on northbound Interstate 71 between mile points 18 and 22 in Oldham County. The left lane will be closed today (July 31st) and tomorrow (August 1st) from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day. KYTC crews will be performing tree trimming in this area.

The starting date and duration of work may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Louisville Loop Public Meeting Tomorrow Night

A public meeting concerning the Fairdale to Floyds Fork section of the Louisville Loop will be held tomorrow (July 31) from 6 to 8 p.m. at Okolona Christian Church, 10801 Faithful Way.

This is the second of four meetings where input is being sought on the south central/southeastern portion of the Louisville Loop from National Turnpike at Fairdale Road to Floyds Fork near Bardstown Road.

For more information on the meeting or the Louisville Loop, go to www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/planninganddesign/metro_loop_trail.htm or http://www.louisvilleloop.org/.

New South Louisville Trolley Hop Begins Operating Tomorrow

South Louisville has a new Trolley Hop.  The trolley hop will run  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on various dates this year and next year. The first will be held tomorrow, July 28.

The trolley will make stops at nearly 40 landmarks, shops and restaurants in south and southwest Louisville. It connects the historic Iroquois Amphitheater (site of the annual Kentucky Music Weekend festival being held tomorrow) as well as the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. It will also stop at the Little Loomhouse; the Auburndale Village Shopping Center, at the southwest corner of Third Street Road and New Cut Road; the Outer Loop Center at the northwest corner of New Cut Road and the Outer Loop; and the new Fairdale Library at West Manslick Road and Mitchell Hill Road.

Participants can park their cars at any of those locations or at the Kenwood Heights Christian Church, 5610 New Cut Road, or the Fairdale Playtorium, which is located behind the library. They also can board the trolley at any designated TARC stop.

As with TARC’s other two trolley hops – the First Friday Hop on the Market/Main corridor and the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop on Frankfort Avenue in the Crescent Hill/Clifton neighborhoods – there is no charge to ride the trolleys during the event due to sponsorship of South End Metro Council Neighborhood Funds. The Kentucky Music Weekend is free and open to the public as well.

Most sites along the trolley hop route are planning special events and/or attractions throughout the day.

The Little Loomhouse, located at 328 Kenwood Hill Road, boasts the biggest repository of original and classic textile patterns in the United States, and will have its three onsite cabins open for tour as well including antique weaving looms. The Fairdale Library will have special crafts for the kids and the Jefferson Memorial Forest will have a family canoe event on Tom Wallace Lake.

Additional dates for the trolley hop are August 18, September 8 and October 20 (all in 2012) and April 27 and May 18 (in 2013).
The trolley hops is sponsored by Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (District 13), Councilman Rick Blackwell (District 12), Councilman Bob Henderson (District 14), Councilwoman Marianne Butler (District 15), Councilman Dan Johnson (District 21); and Councilman David Yates (District 25).

Job Seekers Can Get A Free Ride to Local Employment Fair

Are you looking for a job and need help getting to an area job fair? Then TARC has an opportunity for you!

TARC'S Job Hunter Bus will be available to job seekers attending Congressman John Yarmuth's Veteran's Resources and Jobs Fair on Friday, July 27.


The bus will pick up job seekers at five stops, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Those stops are: the Urban League, 1535 West Broadway; the Nia Center; the Office For Vocational Rehabilitation; Goodwill Industries, 332 West Broadway; and NC3, 334 East Broadway. That event, held at the UAW Union Hall at 3000 Fern Valley Road, lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The last bus to leave that job fair will depart at 2 p.m. and will return riders to their stops.

There is no charge to ride the Job Hunter Bus, which provides pre-planned transportation to groups of twenty or more potential employees to job fairs throughout the metro area. All TARC buses are can accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with bike racks.

For information on route schedules and pick-up/drop-off sites, visit http://www.ridetarc.org/job-hunter-bus/. For easy trip planning using the Google Maps trip planner, visit www.ridetarc.org.

I-65 South To Be Closed This Weekend From I-64 to the Watterson

If you are planning to travel down I-65 this weekend, here is a warning - you will have delays. Paving of the final asphalt surface on the southbound lanes of Interstate 65 is scheduled for this weekend.

To expedite the work, southbound I-65 will be completely closed from I-64 in downtown Louisville to I-264 (mile points 136.4 to 131.2). This road closure is scheduled from 7 p.m. EDT Friday, July 20 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 23.


All entrance and exit ramps on southbound I-65 in the project area will be closed during paving.

During the closure of southbound I-65, motorists will be detoured via westbound I-64 to eastbound I-264, which connects with southbound I-65.

For construction and traffic updates, visit http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx. 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 Kentucky.

Construction to begin this week on I-71 and I-264 interchange

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has awarded MAC Construction and Excavating a $3.9 million contract to improve the interchange at Interstates 71 and 264. Work will begin later this week on the roadway expansion meant to enhance capacity and safety.


I-264 (Watterson Expressway) will be widened to three lanes in both directions between US 42 and I-71. The entrance ramp from eastbound I-264 to northbound I-71 will be extended by approximately 3,000 feet to the Lime Kiln Lane overpass providing motorists more distance to merge onto I-71.

A deceleration lane will be constructed on southbound I-71 for motorists exiting onto westbound I-264 providing motorists more distance to slow before entering the Watterson Expressway.

The contractor will pave a new asphalt surface on I-264 between US 42 and I-71 and on I-71 between the Lime Kiln Lane overpass and I-264. Lane closures are possible weeknights from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following morning, and shoulders may be closed during the day. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 MPH in the work zone.  The project is scheduled for completion by December 15, 2012.

The start date and duration of work is subject to change in the case of inclement weather or an unforeseeable delay.  Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for traffic and construction updates on Kentucky roadways.

More traffic changes as work on the Kennedy Bridge continues

Motorists encounter more traffic changes as construction continues on the Kennedy Bridge. The exit ramps from eastbound and westbound I-64 to southbound I-65 (Exit 5A) closed Saturday, July 14. Motorists must follow the I-264 detour (Watterson Expressway) to access I-65.


Motorists traveling southbound on I-71 will also encounter changes due to the closure of the I-65 southbound ramp.  Southbound I-71 merges with westbound I-64 just before the interchange with I-65.  The construction contractor has until the end of July to complete work on these ramps.

The following ramps will remain closed for the duration of the construction:

     - 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
     - The entrance ramp from Court Avenue to southbound I-65 in
        Indiana

The following ramps will remain closed through mid-July:

     - The ramp from westbound I-64 to northbound I-65
     - The ramp from southbound I-71 to northbound I-65
     - The northbound exit ramp to Jeffersonville (Exit 0)

Vehicles wider than 9 feet remain prohibited from traveling through the work zone.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) posts construction and traffic updates at http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx. 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.

I-65 Kennedy Bridge lane and ramp closures expected to reopen mid-next week

Due to unanticipated repairs on the Kennedy Bridge, motorists can expect lane and ramp closures through the middle of next week. I-65 northbound will remain restricted to one lane and I-65 southbound will be restricted to two lanes. Ramps from westbound I-64 and southbound I-71 to northbound I-65 and the northbound I-65 Exit 0 to Downtown Jeffersonville will be closed until the middle of next week. Motorists traveling from westbound I-64 and southbound I-71 should continue using the I-264 detour to access I-65 northbound.


While repaving and making repairs on the north end of the bridge, the contractor, MAC Construction and Excavating, discovered more corrosion underneath than was initially anticipated. Once repairs are made, the remaining concrete will be poured, and the bridge will be reopened mid-next week.

For construction and traffic updates, visit http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx.

Bids opened for East End Crossing Contract

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) opened accepted bids yesterday from six Indiana teams hoping to complete design and build a 3,000-foot extension of Old Salem Road. The expansion will consist of a 170-foot bridge that will span the future State Road 265 roadway to the East End Bridge.


Unofficial bids of $3.19 million to $4 million were submitted. INDOT will review the lowest bidder’s Affirmative Action Certification and compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals in effort to award a contract within two weeks.

Old Salem Road will be the first exit north of the East End Bridge once opened. The crossing will accommodate large trucks traveling to and from the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville and the River Ridge Commerce Center. Work on Old Salem Road under this contract is expected to be complete by June 2013.

McNeely Lake Park Roadway Public Meeting

A public meeting will be held Tuesday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Okolona Christian Church, 10801 Faithful Way. This is the second meeting on the proposed roadway through McNeely Lake Park, which will connect Mt. Washington Road and Cedar Creek Road improving pedestrian paths to all areas of the park. Ideas from the project design team will be presented, and the public will be given an opportunity to provide input.


To request additional information, ask questions, or leave comments for the project team, visit louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/planninganddesign/projects/mcneelyroadway.htm or call (502) 456-8100.

Section of I-65 northbound scheduled for closure July 13-16

Beginning Friday, a section of I-65 northbound between I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and Chestnut Street overpass (“Hospital Curve”) will be completely closed due to paving. This section of I-65 will be closed beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening to 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning. The total closure of this section, which includes all entrance and exit ramps, will expedite the paving.


Hall Construction of Kentucky Inc. is the contractor on the $21.7 million project. According to Louisville’s chief engineer for the Department of Highways, the new asphalt surfacing of the three lanes will be paved simultaneously, which will reduce the chances of cracking resulting in potholes. The surface will also include a waterproofing mixture to prevent water from infiltrating the pavement prolonging the life of the roadway.

42 bridges (21 each way) within the section will undergo concrete patching and waterproofing. Motorists will use I-264 and westbound I-64 into southern Indiana to access northbound I-65. A second phase of construction will shift to southbound I-65 and is scheduled for closure on the weekend of July 20-23. The project completion date is set for September 30, 2012.

For construction and traffic updates, visit http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx. 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 Kentucky.

Chamberlain Lane closed for two weeks for widening of KY 22

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) temporarily closed Chamberlain Lane at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6. The closure is due to the construction of the New Chamberlain Lane and widening of KY 22. Motorists must use New Chamberlain Lane to access KY 22. The roadway will be closed to through traffic until Friday, July 20. Local access is permitted.


Construction at the intersection of KY 22, KY 1694, and New Chamberlain Lane will continue, and improvements are expected to be made through the end of July.

KYTC has announced the following restrictions during this work:

     • Motorists traveling south on KY 1694 must turn left or right onto KY 22. Alignment of the lanes from    southbound KY 1694 to New Chamberlain Lane is not complete yet.

    • Motorists traveling west on KY 22 are prohibited from turning left onto New Chamberlain Lane until construction of the left turn lane is completed.

The starting date and duration of work may be changed in the case of inclement weather or unforeseeable delays. Motorists can dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest updates or visit http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx or www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

New traffic pattern on Kennedy Bridge

Motorists saw changes on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge Thursday morning. The traffic pattern is now the opposite of the initial traffic pattern with repairs beginning on the northbound lanes of the bridge. Traffic has been switched to one lane for northbound I-65 and two lanes for southbound I-65. This new traffic pattern will remain in effect until July 13.


Exit ramps from southbound I-65 to eastbound I-64/northbound I-71 and westbound I-64 reopened on July 4. Now, the ramps from westbound I-64 and southbound I-71 to northbound I-65 and the northbound I-65 exit to Jeffersonville (Exit 0) are closed until July 13.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has designated a signed detour for motorists traveling on westbound I-64 and southbound I-71. Motorists will go westbound I-64 into southern Indiana to eastbound I-265 to access northbound I-65.

Exit ramps from northbound I-65 to eastbound I-64/northbound I-71 and westbound I-64 are now closed until the morning of July 9. Motorists will follow the signed detour via I-264. In addition, the following ramps will remain closed for the duration of the project (to be completed by August 15): 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.

KYTC announced the following temporary ramp closures on northbound I-65 in Louisville for the weekend of July 6-7:

• Entrance ramp from Preston Street – closed Friday, July 6th 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

• Exit ramp to Jackson Street (Exit 134A) – closed Friday, July 6th 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

• Exit ramp to Woodbine Street (Exit 134B) – closed 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6th until 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 7th

• Exit ramp to St. Catherine Street (Exit 135) – closed Saturday, July 7th 1:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Entrance ramp from St. Catherine Street – closed Saturday, July 7th 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.

• Exit ramp to Broadway/Chestnut Street (Exit 136A) – closed Saturday, July 7th 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

• Exit ramp to Brook Street (Exit 136B) - closed Saturday, July 7th 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

According to KYTC, some ramp closures may overlap, but construction crews will not have consecutive ramps closed at the same time. The resurfacing of these ramps is scheduled for the weekend of July 13-15. These start dates and duration of work are subject to change in the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen delays.

Vehicles wider than 9 feet are restricted from traveling through the work zone. For construction and traffic updates, visit http://transportation.ky.gov/District-5/Pages/I-65-Construction.aspx or visit www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5. Motorists can also dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest updates.

Input sought from Clark County residents about Thoroughfare Plan

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) and the Clark County Board of Commissioners are seeking input from Clark County residents about the Clark County Thoroughfare Plan. The plan will address transportation needs for the next 20 years.


Residents are asked to attend an open house style public meeting on July 12 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library, 211 Court Ave., in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Attendees will view maps of Clark County to address where improvements need to be made and have the opportunity to speak with project representatives one-on-one.

The plan is composed of three reports. The initial report, which will be summarized and given to attendees at the public meeting on July 12, is the “Existing and Future Conditions Assessment.” The report analyzes the existing transportation system, documents areas with high crash histories and/or congestion, and details existing non-vehicular modes of travel like sidewalks, trails, and transit service. Beginning July 10, a digital version of the initial report will be available for download on the KIPDA website at www.kipda.org. The second report will study alternatives to correct issues with the Clark County transportation system, and the third report will offer recommendations to implement a transportation network that will meet future needs.

Information obtained from the Clark County Thoroughfare Plan will be recommended and added to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) update, also known as “Connecting Kentuckiana.” The MTP will address transportation issues in all five counties of Kentuckiana from 2015-2040. For additional information or questions about the Clark County Thoroughfare Plan, call project consultant Nick Batta with Bernardin, Lochmueller and Associates, Inc. at 317-222-3880 or email him at nbatta@blainc.com.