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I-64 West in Louisville reopens after massive fire caused hours-long shutdown, safety inspection

I-64 West was shutdown for several hours while crews inspected the bridge which was burned by the fire.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A major Louisville interstate has reopened after it was shutdown for several hours Wednesday morning while inspectors assessed the bridge scorched by a fire.

At about 4:50 a.m., Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a one-story building fire behind the I-64 East expressway, officials said.

Crews arrived on scene within minutes. All lanes of I-64 West between the Portland neighborhood and Downtown Louisville were blocked off as crews fought the flames, which were extending to the expressway.

Credit: Louisville Fire Department

It took 45 firefighters about an hour to control the fire. Crews gave the "all-clear" at about 6 a.m.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation by LFD.

According to LFD Captain Donovan Sims, there was a fire in the building before, at around Derby last year. 

Officials say the building took "extensive damage" and there was a collapse inside the structure. It's unclear whether or not the building will be demolished.

Credit: Jim Stratman, WHAS11 News
Portion of I-64 West scorched by flames from nearby structure fire. Crews are inspecting the roadway.

I-64 West was closed from 9th to 22nd Street for several hours while crews inspected the roadway, determining whether or not more lanes should be opened.

All lanes of I-64 West were reopened at about 11:40 a.m.

Credit: Jessica Farley

The fire did not affect the structural integrity of the bridge, according to KYTC officials. 

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