I-64/I-65/I-275 | Kennedy Interchange, ORB

JEFFERSON COUNTY, KY

TRANSPORTATION

As a key member of Walsh Construction’s Design-Build Team, Palmer Engineering led the bridge and drainage design for Section 1 of the Kennedy Interchange in downtown Louisville, connecting I-64, I-65, and I-71.

The project included:

Design of 16 major bridges, including flyovers and ramps
Local access point design to maintain connectivity
Complete drainage design to manage stormwater and ensure roadway safety

Palmer Engineering also provided ongoing construction support, including on-call services, plan reviews, and design assistance, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project specifications.

Project Impact

This project highlights Palmer Engineering’s expertise in transportation infrastructure design, bridge engineering, and drainage solutions, delivering innovative, safe, and reliable solutions for complex urban interchange systems.

Map showing the I-64/I-65/I-275 Kennedy Interchange construction project in Louisville, Kentucky.

Unique Aspects

Opportunities

· Collaborative Design Process: Palmer Engineering actively participated in weekly design meetings and decision-making sessions, ensuring that design standards, functionality, and aesthetic consistency were maintained across the Kennedy Interchange project.
· Complex Bridge Design: The team contributed to the design of 16 bridges, addressing a range of superstructure types, materials, and foundation requirements to meet the complex demands of a major urban interchange.
Challenges

· Coordination Across Multiple Structures: Palmer Engineering ensured consistent design standards and effective communication while managing multiple bridges with varying specifications across the Kennedy Interchange project.
· Utility Coordination: Collaborated closely with the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) to address challenging tie-ins with existing sewer infrastructure, minimizing potential conflicts.
· Maintaining Construction Schedule: Provided ongoing support throughout construction, including after-hours availability, to address challenges promptly and keep the project on track for timely completion.
Successes

· Completion of 16 Bridges: Palmer Engineering successfully designed and delivered 16 bridges, enhancing the functionality, safety, and traffic flow of the Kennedy Interchange.
· Seamless Project Integration: Our team ensured the bridge designs integrated smoothly with the larger interchange project, meeting both technical requirements and aesthetic goals for a cohesive, high-performing infrastructure solution.