I-64 West in Louisville reopens after massive fire caused hours-long shutdown, safety inspection

I-64 West was shutdown for several hours while crews inspected the bridge which was burned by the fire.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A major Louisville interstate has reopened after it was shutdown for several hours Wednesday morning while inspectors assessed the bridge scorched by a fire.

At about 4:50 a.m., Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a one-story building fire behind the I-64 East expressway, officials said.

Crews arrived on scene within minutes. All lanes of I-64 West between the Portland neighborhood and Downtown Louisville were blocked off as crews fought the flames, which were extending to the expressway.

It took 45 firefighters about an hour to control the fire. Crews gave the “all-clear” at about 6 a.m.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation by LFD.

According to LFD Captain Donovan Sims, there was a fire in the building before, at around Derby last year. 

Officials say the building took “extensive damage” and there was a collapse inside the structure. It’s unclear whether or not the building will be demolished.

I-64 West was closed from 9th to 22nd Street for several hours while crews inspected the roadway, determining whether or not more lanes should be opened.

All lanes of I-64 West were reopened at about 11:40 a.m.

The fire did not affect the structural integrity of the bridge, according to KYTC officials. 

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