LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) A stretch of interstate through downtown Louisville that had been closed for repairs reopened July 29, nine days ahead of schedule.

Motorists were allowed back on Interstate 64 along the Ohio River at approximately 6 p.m. after construction crews finished the first major repairs done on the 40-year-old stretch of highway.

Part of the interstate was shut down for three weekends in June, then 19 blocks were closed starting July 5. The reopening will come as welcome news for drivers, many of whom have sat in traffic congestion, taken alternative routes and set the alarm clock early to make sure they got to work on time.

The highway, which carries more than 100,000 vehicles a day, was originally due to reopen Aug. 6. Highway officials pushed that date up to Monday, and Saturday on July 26.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Spokeswoman Robin Jenkins said the contractor, Gohmann Asphalt & Construction of Clarksville, Ind., is eligible for incentives up to $2 million, on top of the $53 million contract for the job.

The work included replacing 132 expansion joints between elevated concrete highway slabs; some of the “spacers” were breaking off and falling onto River Road below. The project also included repaving, new overhead signs and new barrier walls, Jenkins said.

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