TARC adding buses on routes impacted by bridge closure

TARC began adding buses Monday to cross-river and other routes impacted heavily by traffic delays due to the closure of the Sherman Minton Bridge (I-64).  Although delays on TARC trips are similar to general traffic delays, the additional buses help keep TARC on schedule as much as possible.

“Everyone needs to focus first on safety and be patient because we will be experiencing delays on many routes, just as other traffic is delayed,” said TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker. “If you are going to be stuck in traffic, leave the driving to us.”

Detours will remain in effect on TARC routes #22 and #73x that normally use the Sherman-Minton Bridge.  Four other cross-river routes – #65x, #71, #72 and #74  – use either the Clark Memorial (Second Street) or Kennedy Bridge (I-65) with stops at park and ride lots in Indiana. (see below for details on detours and park and ride lots.)

Because of interstate lane closures that are part of the overall traffic management plan, several express bus routes on the Kentucky side of the river are also detoured, but destination stops in downtown are unchanged.  The express routes are: 49x, 53x, 61x, 64x, 67x and 68x.  They will travel I-71/I-64 to the Third Street ramp to access downtown.

Barker said passengers should avoid travel during morning and afternoon rush-hours if possible, plan ahead and allow for plenty of time to reach their destination. TARC will continually evaluate service and update plans relating to the bridge closure.  Customers can check the website at www.ridetarc.org, call customer service at 502-585-1234 and follow TARC on Twitter @ridetarc for the latest information.

Morning cross-river TARC trips from Southern Indiana were generally an hour to 90 minutes delayed reaching downtown Louisville on Monday, Barker said.  He said routes from eastern Jefferson County were about 15 minutes delayed.

About 40 passengers, more than usual, used the park and ride lot at Meijer on Charlestown Road in New Albany (Route #65x) on Monday morning to take TARC into Louisville, Barker said.