KYTC selects alternative for I-64/I-265 interchange reconstruction in Jefferson County

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 13, 2019) –The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announces selection of an alternative for reconstruction of the interchange between Interstate 64 and Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) in Jefferson County.  Four alternatives were presented to the public earlier this year to address operations and safety concerns at this interchange.

Based upon traffic analysis, review of crash data and public input, the KYTC project team selected a partial turbine design with a braided ramp (Alternative 3B). This design addresses some of the short traffic weaving segments at the interchange by replacing two of the existing loop ramps with longer ramps that will pass under I-265. This alternate can be viewed online at http://bit.ly/I64atI265 .

Another advantage of this option is “braiding” of the two entrance ramps from I-64 onto I-265 North. The result will be improved lane assignments on I-265 North where these ramps merge to reduce the traffic weave between the I-64 and U.S. 60 interchanges.

“After a comprehensive safety analysis, including future traffic projections, the recommended alternative points to a reduction in crashes,” said Matt Bullock, chief district engineer for KYTC’s District 5 office in Louisville. “This proposed design will make interchange spacing safer and more efficient by improving some of the acceleration and deceleration lengths for traffic merging between the two interstates.”

Traffic flow through the interchange will also be enhanced by the addition of lane capacity on four high volume ramps.

The selected alternate has minimal right-of-way impacts and minor utility relocation.

Reconstruction of the I-64/I-265 interchange is part of KYTC’s recently announced I-Move Kentucky project. This $180 million design-build project will improve safety and reduce congestion through a heavily traveled interstate corridor in Jefferson and Oldham counties. The work combines four priority projects into a single construction project to add lane capacity and upgrades at two, major interchanges on I-265, I-71 and I-64.

Design-build is an effective contracting approach to deliver projects faster and often at a lower cost than traditional design-bid-build projects. While the preliminary design work has been completed on these projects, the design-build process allows the contractor to propose alternate designs that operate as efficiently as the plans advertised by KYTC while still staying within the project budget.

Construction for I-Move Kentucky is scheduled to begin in 2020.

Overnight traffic delays on Interstate 265 in Jefferson County May 14-17

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Louisville, KY (May 13, 2019) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of overnight traffic delays this week on Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) in Jefferson County. A consultant engineering firm will perform mobile scanning of the concrete bridge decks as part of design work for widening this interstate. Crews will use ground-penetrating radar on I-265 in both directions between Taylorsville Road and Interstate 71 (mile markers 23.1 to 34.7).

This analysis is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 – Friday, May 17 from 9 p.m. each evening until 5 a.m. the following morning. Equipment will travel at slower speeds of 45 MPH so motorists should expect some delays. Drivers will be able to pass the testing vehicles by using an adjacent lane.

Widening of I-265 is part of KYTC’s recently announced I-Move Kentucky project. This $180 million design-build project will improve safety and reduce congestion through a heavily traveled interstate corridor in Jefferson and Oldham counties. The work combines four priority projects into a single construction project to add lane capacity and upgrades at two, major interchanges on I-265, I-71 and I-64.

Construction for I-Move Kentucky is scheduled to begin in 2020. For more information visit I-Move KY.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.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 facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5 .