All Sherman Minton Bridge eastbound lanes to close for 12 days this December; here's when

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This winter, I-64 East will be experiencing a 12-day closure while crews work to restore the Sherman Minton Bridge.

Both directions of the bridge will also be closed during various weekends prior to the consecutive closure.

I-64 East at the Sherman Minton Bridge will be closed on or after 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and will remain closed until 5 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 20.

"The consecutive closure is necessary for crews to safely demolish and remove the upper bridge deck as part of Phase 4," a Sherman Minton Renewal Team news release said.

During this closure, the I-64 East entrance ramp from West Spring Street will be closed along with I-64 East ramp to the Watterson Expressway.

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I-64 West will be reduced to one lane of traffic as follows:

• Alternating I-64 West lane closures (switching from top deck to bottom deck) beginning on or after 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11.
• Westbound I-64 left lane (bottom deck) closure beginning on or after 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18.
• Nightly I-64 West lane restrictions on weekdays beginning Monday, Dec. 11 through Tuesday, Dec. 19. 

I-64 West will be closed to all traffic as follows:

• I-64 West will be closed over the weekend beginning on or after 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 until 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 20.
• I-64 West will be closed over the weekend beginning on or after 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 until 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 4.

Alternative route for I-64 West closures:

Officials suggest drivers instead use I-265 and I-65 while I-64 East in closed. Traffic signs will be posted in the area in advance to notify drivers of the closure and alternate routes.

Through traffic that bypasses I-265 will not be able to cross the Sherman Minton Bridge.  This traffic will be required to exit onto West 5th Street in New Albany and use the local street system to access I-64 westbound, then continue to I-265 and the designated alternate route.

Through traffic that bypasses I-65 will not be able to cross the Sherman Minton Bridge.  This traffic will be required to exit to I-264 and then Bank Street.  Detour and alternate route signage will be in place directing traffic back to I-64 eastbound, then will continue to I-65 and the designated alternate route.