I-Move Special Alert: I-71 closure planned this weekend to facilitate major excavation work

Traffic detoured to Highway 329 from I-71 northbound in Oldham County

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is advising motorists and residents of potential traffic impacts this weekend on I-71 in Oldham County as part of the I-Move Kentucky project. Major excavation work is planned Saturday, March 20 that will require all lanes of I-71 northbound near Highway 329 to be closed.

Excavation work in this area will allow for the widening of I-71 to improve safety and ease traffic flow. Temporarily closing I-71 northbound will allow for construction crews to conduct a blast Saturday morning in close proximity to the I-71 travel lanes. Additional time is needed following the blast to facilitate safe and efficient clean-up. For the safety of the public, the interstate must be clear at the time of the blast.

On Friday, March 19 at 8 p.m., traffic on I-71 northbound will be reduced to one lane at Highway 329 near mile marker 14 to move barrier wall in advance of the blast.

On Saturday, March 20 at 7 a.m., I-71 northbound will be closed across all lanes at Highway 329 (exit 14). Police will direct traffic off the interstate at the exit to a detour across Highway 329 that re-enters I-71 on the other side of the construction area. The blast will occur at approx. 7:30 a.m. Traffic will be detoured for several hours while crews work to clear materials from the interstate and conduct drilling and other tasks in the area.

When the roadway reopens following the blast and cleanup, traffic on I-71 northbound will continue to be reduced to one lane through Monday, March 22 at 6 a.m.

Short-term closures (approx. 15 minutes each) may occur Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 at 5 p.m. to accommodate additional blasts in the area. These will be similar to daily blasting road stoppages that occur daily in the project area.

“We thank the public for patience during this short-term detour of interstate traffic,” said KYTC project manager Chris Slone. “This one blast allows us to do the equivalent of three weeks of excavation work in one day, which will greatly minimize traffic impacts in the long run.”

I-Move Kentucky includes widening I-71 from four to six lanes from I-265 to Highway 329 (Crestwood/Pewee Valley exit). In the past year of the project, significant progress has been made to excavate both sides of I-71 to allow for this high-priority roadway expansion. Construction began in May 2020 and the project will be completed in the Fall of 2023.

Work schedules may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen delays. Drivers should be cautious when traveling through active construction areas. Signage and flaggers will be in place to alert drivers of lane closures and construction zones.