LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 9, 2012) — Paving of the final asphalt surface on the northbound lanes of Interstate 65 is scheduled the weekend that begins the night of Friday, July 13. To expedite the work, northbound I-65 will be completely closed from just north of I-264 (Watterson Expressway) to the Chestnut Street overpass near “Hospital Curve” (mile points 131.2 to 135.4). This road closure is scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday, July 13, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 16.
“As was done on I-71 this spring, complete closure of the interstate over the weekend will allow the paving to be done in less time than the traditional method of closing one lane at a time,” said Matt Bullock, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways, Louisville District.
“This process will also provide a better quality product on the roadway. All three driving lanes will be paved simultaneously, allowing the joint between lanes to be sealed up while the asphalt is still hot enough to be compacted,” Bullock said. “Otherwise, that joint will be susceptible to cracking and forming potholes.”
Hall Construction of Kentucky Inc. is the contractor on the $21.7 million project. Crews have removed the old asphalt pavement down to the concrete base and replaced it with new asphalt. The final surface will be an asphalt waterproofing mixture that will prolong the life of the roadway by preventing water from infiltrating the pavement.
In addition, concrete patching and a waterproofing overlay are being performed on 42 bridges (21 in each direction) throughout the project limits.
During the closure of northbound I-65, motorists will be detoured via westbound I-264 and westbound I-64 into southern Indiana, then to eastbound I-265, which connects with northbound I-65.
All entrance and exit ramps on northbound I-65 in the project area will be closed during paving.
Work then will shift to southbound I-65, which is scheduled for closure on the weekend of July 20-23 to allow for final paving. The project completion date is Sept. 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.
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