Significant Delays Expected on I-71 in Gallatin and Carroll Counties on June 30

A series of rolling roadblocks scheduled; avoid the area and plan an alternate route.

Shutterstock photo.

(Covington, Ky.) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of overnight bridge work scheduled for Monday, June 30, on Interstate 71 northbound between mile points 53.6 and 53.3, which is expected to cause significant delays for through traffic.

Beginning at approximately 7 p.m., contractors will begin setting bridge beams for the new I-71 overpass bridge over KY 47. This work will require six rolling roadblocks, each consisting of a 25-minute slow roll at 10-15 mph, followed by a complete stop of up to 15 minutes to accommodate the delivery and placement of each beam. After each beam is set, traffic will be allowed to clear before the next roadblock begins. The process will repeat six times throughout the night.

Although traffic will continue to move at reduced speeds during the rolling portion of the operation, motorists should anticipate total delays of more than one hour and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes. All work is expected to be completed by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at which time all traffic control devices will be removed from the roadway.

In addition to the I-71 northbound impacts, KY 47 will experience up to six temporary closures of approximately 15 minutes each, managed by flaggers. These closures will occur only during the actual beam setting process and will help ensure safety for all travelers in the area.

Through traffic, especially commercial vehicles and long-distance travelers, are advised to consider going from Louisville toward Lexington by using I-64 East from to I-75 North as a detour route. While this alternate route adds approximately 30 - 40 minutes of drive time, it may ultimately save time and avoid significant congestion along I-71.

This work is part of the ongoing I-71 widening project on an approximately 4.59 mile portion of I-71 in Gallatin and Carroll Counties.