Drive 10.5 miles on Interstate 264 eastbound—the Henry Watterson Expressway—as we skirt the southern edge of Louisville, Kentucky from I-65 to I-71. Explore this fast-paced urban bypass through neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and historic corridors.
Interstate 264
Interstate 264 (I-264), also known as the Watterson Expressway, is a vital bypass around Louisville, Kentucky, connecting major routes like I-64 and I-65 while providing access to key destinations including the airport and downtown.
Interstate 264 is a key auxiliary route serving the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area. Functioning as a bypass and connector around the southern and western edges of the city, I-264 is known locally as the Watterson Expressway for most of its length. The route begins at Interstate 65 and ends at Interstate 71, forming a partial loop that enhances regional mobility and eases congestion through downtown Louisville.
Spanning approximately 22 miles, I-264 intersects major roadways such as Interstate 65 and U.S. Route 60, facilitating access to the Louisville International Airport, the University of Louisville, and key commercial and residential areas. The eastern terminus reconnects with I-64 near St. Matthews, while the western terminus rejoins I-64 in the Shawnee neighborhood, close to the Ohio River.
Originally constructed in the 1940s and expanded over time, I-264 has undergone several major upgrades, particularly to improve safety, add capacity, and accommodate increased traffic demand. Though not a full beltway, I-264 plays a vital role in Louisville’s transportation network by linking neighborhoods, industrial zones, and interstates across Jefferson County.
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