We know getting to and from the hospitals, universities and other organizations within LOUMED is a priority. With the ongoing I-65 Central Corridor project, we want to share as much information as possible to help ease your commute and keep you informed. The I-65 Central Corridor project is a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet initiative to replace aging bridges on a heavily traveled corridor of I-65 between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and the Muhammad Ali Boulevard interchange in downtown Louisville. The multi-phase project features a scheduled closure of a five-mile section of I-65 from Monday, June 1, through Friday, July 31. Work on the project will continue through late 2027, and associated ramp and intermittent local street closures will directly impact the LOUMED footprint. Continuing construction after the I-65 closure this summer will significantly impact traffic in downtown Louisville and around the LOUMED district. To arrive safely and on time for appointments, shifts and classes, please use the resources below for real-time traffic alerts and facility-specific travel instructions. How to Prepare for Your Visit Check the official source for road closures. Visit I65CentralCorridor.com for real-time traffic alerts, detour maps and official project timelines directly from KYTC. Plan ahead and leave early. Allow extra travel time for your commute. Use real-time navigation. As an official agency partner with KYTC, Waze will provide real-time traffic updates and optimized detours throughout the construction. The Waze navigation and live traffic app can help you find the best route around the closures. Helpful Resources for Facility-Specific Wayfinding Below are helpful resources and direct links to wayfinding plans for LOUMED’s anchor institutions. Please check these sites for the latest parking and traffic adjustments before you travel. UofL Health University of Louisville Norton Healthcare and Norton Children's Jefferson Community & Technical College
Ground has officially been broken on the Chestnut Street Improvement Project to launch a multi-phase infrastructure investment for the LOUMED district. These improvements are being executed within the study area of Greenprint, a 10-year initiative coordinated by the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and the Urban Design Studio. Informed by walkability studies and temperature monitoring conducted by university researchers, Greenprint guides where new green spaces can have the greatest impact on human health. This framework links the new Chestnut Street improvements to existing spaces like LOUMED Commons, the public park we opened in November 2025, ensuring a shared commitment to creating a cooler, cleaner, and healthier Louisville. Connecting the roadway directly to LOUMED Commons to create a seamless environment for transit and pedestrians. By implementing findings from two years of walkability studies and temperature monitoring, we are ensuring these changes have a positive impact on public health. This project is moving in phases to minimize disruption to district operations, with a target completion for the current block between Floyd and Preston for late 2026. Once that section wraps up, crews will move to the next three blocks extending east to South Clay Street with the goal of finishing the full eastern section in 2027.
We have taken a significant step toward enhancing our district's greenery to prepare for the upcoming growing season. In January, we partnered with TreesLouisville to plant 38 new trees near employee parking lots between Clay and Chestnut Streets. By getting these roots in the ground during the winter, we are ensuring a vibrant bloom when the season turns. Parking lots are often "heat islands," where asphalt absorbs the sun and raises the temperature of the entire area. By introducing this new canopy, we are actively combating that urban heat while also reducing stormwater runoff and filtering air pollution. Beyond the environmental impact, there is a human element to this project. We know that trees have a direct correlation to our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that patients who can look out a window and see trees often have faster healing times than those who do not. By softening these hardscapes, we are improving the daily walk for those moving through the district each day and creating a more healing view for the patients in our care. When spring finally arrives, you will see a diverse mix of species beginning to wake up, including bald cypress, lindens, zelkovas, osage orange, honey locust, and gingko. They were selected specifically for their tolerance of heat and pollution, ensuring they will be part of the LOUMED landscape for years to come.
We have launched a new shuttle service to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. In partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana and Riverside Transportation Services, we are piloting this dedicated route to help guests navigate between their temporary home and medical appointments. The shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The route creates a direct link between the Ronald McDonald House and key facilities including Norton Children’s Hospital, Frazier Rehab Institute, the Norton Novak Center, and UofL Hospital. This service removes the logistical challenge of transportation for families focused on the care of their children. During this pilot phase, the service is reserved exclusively for Ronald McDonald House guests. Riders are required to wear red wristbands to board. This policy ensures that seats remain open for the families who rely on this connection. We are proud to see this vehicle on the road and to support the patient experience within the district.
