LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The two-week closure of a crucial span of westbound Interstate 64 in Louisville starts Friday night, and it's likely to compound traffic already intensified by a westbound closure on the bridge connecting Louisville to New Albany, Indiana.

All lanes on I-64W from the Watterson Expressway interchange to Story Avenue will close from Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, June 16. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet advises drivers to keep the following impacts in mind:

• Traffic will be diverted from I-64 West to I-264 East or West ramps.
• The ramps from I-264 East and West to I-64 West will be closed.
• The I-64 West on-ramp from Story Avenue will remain open.

Signs notifying drivers of the upcoming work and detour route will be placed in the area. Motorists should adjust for increased travel times and expect delays while traveling the detour route.

The Sherman Minton Bridge, which connects Louisville to New Albany, Indiana, closed to all westbound traffic Tuesday night. They won't reopen until 8 p.m. Monday, June 5. That, in addition to the impending I-64W closure, are primed to cause miles of gridlock during rush hour and at the height of summer travel.

The I-64 project includes asphalt resurfacing and replacing guardrails. The pavement in the Cochran Tunnel, located between Cannons Lane and Grinstead Drive, will be removed and replaced with new asphalt.

KYTC said it will extend the life of the interstate and improve driver comfort on the roadway. The last rehabilitation project of I-64 was completed in 2001.

The date and duration of the project could be adjusted if weather impacts construction, KYTC said.