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New downtown bridge to open by Christmas

Beshear said the bridge would temporarily carry two-way traffic.

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We’ll have a new Interstate 65 bridge over the Ohio in downtown Louisville by the end of the year, but your traffic headaches aren’t over yet.

They say workers are now ahead of schedule and the project remains on budget.

“I’m the happiest guy in the world right now.” he said. The East End bridge should be done in late 2016 or early 2017.

“Over the coming decades, hundreds of thousands of people and cars will cross this bridge, but we’re creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity before we open the bridge to vehicle traffic”, said Gov. Beshear. Plans are in the works for a public celebration ahead of the official opening, Beshear said.

Ellspermann joined Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore for that announcement today. Each signed a golden bolt, a few of the final bolts that will be put into place on the deck of the new bridge.

There was a few managing of expectations Monday because the news that construction is ahead of schedule is nearly too exciting when you’re talking about a bridge a few thought might never be built. “Before the first auto drives across this span, the public will have a chance to walk the new bridge”. Then crews will keep making more improvements to restore the adjacent Kennedy bridge which now carries Interstate-65 across the Ohio river.

“I think they will still be frustrated with having one bridge and not knowing what is going to happen with the Kennedy Bridge being worked on, but I think also the tolls are going to make them wonder if anybody wants to come here through they will”, Gatewood said.

Before the new bridge opens for traffic, pedestrians will be able to get a close look.

The earlier-than-expected completion of the bridge, however, will give crews more time to work on the Kennedy Bridge, Peterson said.

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A look at the progress of the new Interstate 65 bridge in downtown Louisville.

New Ohio River bridge between Indiana, Kentucky expected to open before Christmas