The long-planned traffic shift on Interstate 65 in Southern Indiana is expected to begin Wednesday night.The shift—part of construction process for the Ohio River Bridges Project—includes splitting the two open lanes, creating a left and right channel for drivers for more than a half mile. The two lanes of southbound I-65 will join again near Court Avenue, with access available to Exit 0 in Jeffersonville. Drivers wanting to exit there should use the right lane at the split.Crews will start working at 9 p.m. and the new traffic configuration will be in place by 5 a.m. Thursday, said Mindy Peterson, spokeswoman for Bridges Project-Downtown Crossing. She said southbound lanes on the Kennedy Bridge will not be affected by these lane restrictions, with all lanes open to traffic. Earlier: 'Big Squeeze' Expected to Cause Long-Term Traffic IssuesThe “Big Squeeze," which went into effect on Sept. 2, compressed I-65 in both directions to two lanes from the Kennedy Bridge to Brown’s Station Way. “We see delays and congestion during those peak hours in the morning and the afternoon, but that’s what we expected and were already seeing prior to the restrictions,” Peterson said.“So I think drivers really have done a very good job of adapting and making changes.” Walsh Construction crews will also begin installing a barrier wall along I-65 South this week to prepare for the shift of northbound traffic. I-65 North traffic is anticipated to move to its new position, occupying two lanes of the former I-65 South, sometime next week.This new traffic arrangement is expected to be in place for more than a year as new northbound lanes of I-65 are being constructed to connect with the new Ohio River bridge.Northbound drivers can also look for a new ramp from I-65 North to 10th Street, planned to be open soon, providing a new option for drivers wanting to exit to 10th Street.The traffic shift will not result in any additional lane closures and drivers will be able to access all exits. The lane restrictions will remain in place along this section of I-65 until late 2016, when the project nears completion.
