Another major highway shutdown is also approaching in Kansas, where a section of Interstate 70 near Topeka is scheduled to close June 8 for a long-term bridge reconstruction project.

Both construction efforts are expected to affect freight traffic well into 2027 as state transportation agencies move forward with major infrastructure work.

A detour map is available online.

Louisville Drivers Already Navigating I-65 Traffic Changes

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet closed the section of I-65 between the Watterson Expressway and Jefferson Street in downtown Louisville on June 1.

According to state transportation officials, two lanes of traffic in each direction are expected to reopen Aug. 1, although additional construction-related traffic restrictions are expected to continue through late 2027.

More than 125,000 vehicles travel through the corridor daily, making the project one of the larger traffic disruptions currently affecting freight movement through the Louisville area.

Kentucky officials said the bridge replacement project became necessary after years of maintaining structures that are now reaching the end of their service life.

“This is a needed safety measure that has been a long time coming,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “These bridges have been maintained regularly, but they are at the end of their service life, and it’s time for new ones to be built to ensure these key connections are safe and sound for generations to come. This closure allows crews to work safely and faster with less long-term disruption to the traveling public.”

Drivers can still access downtown hospitals, the Kentucky Exposition Center, and Muhammad Ali International Airport during the closure period.

Kentucky transportation officials have also released an online detour map for drivers traveling through the area.

Kansas I-70 Closure Begins June 8

Truck drivers routing through Kansas may also want to prepare for additional detours and traffic changes beginning June 8.

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to shut down I-70 between Topeka Boulevard and 8th Avenue as part of the Polk Quincy Viaduct replacement project. The closure is expected to remain in place through December.

Traffic will be rerouted to Interstate 470 while crews remove and replace existing bridge structures. Additional short-term local road closures are also expected throughout the project.

According to KDOT, the Polk Quincy Viaduct was originally constructed in the late 1950s and has deteriorated over time as traffic volumes and surrounding development increased.

The larger $239 million reconstruction project is scheduled to continue through late 2027.

Drivers May Want to Adjust Routing Plans Early

With both projects affecting heavily traveled freight corridors, drivers running through Louisville or Topeka may want to begin adjusting routing plans before summer traffic increases further.

Long-term bridge projects often create changing detours, lane restrictions, congestion patterns, and delays that continue evolving throughout different construction phases, especially near metro freight routes.

Drivers traveling through either area should continue monitoring state transportation updates and real-time traffic conditions as construction activity increases throughout June.

Source: Land Line Media

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 2, 2026

The post Major Louisville I-65 Closure Now Active appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Oregon Department of Transportation confirmed that OR 229 remains completely closed between mileposts 14 and 15, near Kernville and Siletz, after a massive slide on Dec. 12, 2025. The damage wiped out sections of the highway, leaving the route unsafe for any traffic. Motorists and commercial drivers are being directed to use U.S. 101 as the primary alternative.

According to ODOT, the situation is far more complicated than clearing debris and reopening lanes. The roadway itself was destroyed, and the surrounding terrain continues to pose risks.

“Water continues to be one of the biggest challenges at the site and is a key factor affecting the timeline to reopen the highway,” ODOT said. “Saturated ground conditions limit access and increase the risk of additional movement or new slides. The project team is looking at ways to help the area dry faster, but it’s too early to know what options might work.”

Rebuilding Timeline Remains Unclear

State engineers and geotechnical specialists are still studying the slide area, but officials caution that firm timelines are not yet possible.

“ODOT engineers and geotechnical experts continue to evaluate the site,” ODOT said. “There are still many unknowns, so it’s too early to set a detailed timeline. Based on what is known right now, fully rebuilding OR 229 is expected to take years. The team will continue to assess over the winter months as conditions allow.”

ODOT described the landslide as highly complex, with different types of movement across the affected area. Some sections shifted as large blocks of soil and rock, while others liquefied into mud due to heavy saturation. Because of the instability and the risk of further movement along the edges of the slide, crews cannot safely access the site on foot.

Outside experts are assisting ODOT in evaluating the full scope of the damage and identifying possible paths forward. Assessments will continue as weather and ground conditions permit, with potential repair strategies and timelines to be outlined once enough data can be gathered safely.

What Drivers Need to Know

At this time, there is no local detour around the closure. ODOT has developed a long-term detour plan and is reviewing possible short-term solutions. Crews are currently installing detour signage, and updated routing information will be posted on TripCheck.com once signage is complete.

For truck drivers and others who regularly travel through Lincoln County, the closure represents a significant disruption. ODOT emphasized that reopening the route will require extensive analysis, design work, funding, and construction comparable to building an entirely new roadway.

The agency said it will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as more information becomes available.

Source: The Trucker

The post ODOT Confirms Indefinite Closure of OR 229 After Major Landslide appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.