I-64/I-65/I-71 (Kennedy Interchange, ORB)

Jefferson County, Louisville, KY

As a member of Walsh Construction’s Design-Build Team, Palmer Engineering designed numerous bridges for the relocated Kennedy Interchange in downtown Louisville linking I-64, I-65, and I-71. The project involved design of major structures, flyovers, interstate-to-interstate ramps, and local access ramps.

Beginning in 2013, Palmer was directly involved in the design team’s decision-making process through weekly plan review meetings, standardization of project aesthetics, and structural components. Though not responsible for every bridge in the Interchange, we were apprised of ongoing design and construction decisions/features for every downtown bridge.

Palmer’s structural responsibilities included final design of 15 bridges, several of which have multiple individual superstructure units. Beam types varied between prestressed concrete I-beams and box beams, and welded steel plate girders. Substructures included integral end bents, semi-integral breastwall abutments, expansion abutments with backwalls and expansion joints. Foundations included end-bearing steel piles and micropiles. Palmer’s engineers also provided surveying, drainage design, and roadway design.

Our role continued through construction, providing continuous on-call construction services. This included review of erection plans, shop drawings, and answering questions from the field as construction progressed. Our engineers were available after hours and on weekends to keep the project on schedule.