Action Plan
Your business action checklist
Work through these steps before June 1 to minimize disruption. Click each item to mark it complete.
0 of 16 tasks complete
Before June 1 — do this week
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Update your Google Business Profile hours and add a closure notice
Add "Road construction nearby — we're still open! Access via [alternate route]" to your description.
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Update Apple Maps (Apple Business Connect) with the same information
businessconnect.apple.com — free for all businesses.
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Map your top 3 alternate customer routes and test them yourself
Drive each one and note landmarks, turn-by-turn, and travel time vs. normal.
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Communicate with employees about flexible scheduling options
Stagger shift times, consider remote work where possible, offer parking alternatives.
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Brief your front-line staff — phones, hosts, baristas, cashiers
They'll field the most questions. Give them the routes on a small printed card.
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Post the social graphics and first announcement to all your channels
Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, email list. Use the templates in this toolkit.
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Update your website homepage or banner with a closure notice
A simple banner — "We're still open! I-65 is closed nearby. Access us via..."
June
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Add signage at your entrance pointing customers from alternate routes
A simple arrow sign or A-frame can make a big difference for drive-by traffic.
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Consider a "We're Still Here" promotion or discount for regular customers
Even a 10% off coupon or free add-on shows you appreciate their extra effort.
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Connect with neighboring businesses to cross-promote
A joint "Shop the [Neighborhood] corridor" campaign spreads the reach and cost.
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Post a mid-closure update to social media (around June 15–20)
"We're halfway through — still going strong! Here's how to find us..."
Ongoing — through August 1
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Respond promptly to Google/Yelp reviews mentioning directions or parking
Every review response helps future customers. Acknowledge the inconvenience warmly.
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Monitor social media for questions about access or hours
Comments, DMs, and tagged posts — make sure routing questions don't go unanswered.
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Check KYTC updates for any schedule changes to the reopening date
Planned reopening is August 1 — watch for updates and communicate any changes quickly.
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Plan and draft your "I-65 is open!" celebration posts for August 1
Have them ready to go — this is a great moment to re-engage your audience.
Templates
Ready-to-post copy
Fill in the [brackets] with your specific details and post.
FacebookAnnouncement — before June 1~450 chars
📣 Heads up, Louisville friends!
I-65 is closing for bridge construction from June 1 through August 1 between the Watterson Expressway and Jefferson Street. But here's the good news: [Business Name] is staying open every single day.
The easiest way to reach us during construction:
➡️ [Alternate Route — e.g., "Take Bardstown Rd north to Broadway, turn left, we're on the right."]
⏰ Our hours remain [Hours].
📍 [Address]
We're grateful for this community and we're not going anywhere. Save this post so you remember how to find us — and share it so your friends know too.
#Louisville #StillOpen #LouisvilleLocal #ShopLocal #I65Construction
Pair with the "We're Still Open" square graphic
FacebookMid-closure check-in — around June 20~280 chars
Halfway through the I-65 construction — and we're still going strong!
If you've been avoiding our part of town, now's a great time to visit. Access us easily from [Route]. Parking is [plentiful/available on X street]. And we'd love to see a familiar face.
See you soon, Louisville.
Use a real photo of your open business
InstagramCaption for announcement graphic~370 chars
I-65 is closing, but we're not.
Construction runs June 1–August 1, so here's how to find us the easy way:
👉 [Alternate route in 1–2 sentences]
Same hours. Same [coffee/food/service]. Same team who loves this city.
Save this post, share it with a friend, and we'll see you soon.
#Louisville #LouisvilleEats #LouisvilleLocal #StillOpen #I65 #ShopSmall #SupportLocal #KentuckyBusiness #LouisvilleKY
Post the "We're Still Open" or "How to Reach Us" graphic
InstagramStory / Reel overlayShort form
I-65 CLOSED? No problem.
We're still open.
[Business Name] · [Hours]
Access via: [Short route]
See you soon.
Text overlay on a Story or Reel of your open space
X / TwitterAnnouncement — under 280 chars~220 chars
I-65 closing June 1–Aug 1? [Business Name] is staying open.
Reach us via [Alternate Route — keep it short]. Same hours. Same [product/service].
We're not going anywhere, Louisville.
#Louisville #StillOpen #I65Construction
Pin this post to the top of your profile through August 1
NextdoorWarm community tone~500 chars
Hi neighbors,
As you may know, I-65 is closing from June 1 to August 1 for bridge replacement work between the Watterson and Jefferson Street. For those of you who visit us at [Business Name], we're staying open the whole time.
The easiest way to reach us: [Specific, neighborhood-friendly directions]
We're a Louisville business and this neighborhood is our home. Thanks for supporting us — we'll see you soon.
— [Your Name], [Business Name] · [Phone / Website]
Post under "Local deals" or "Business" for best reach
Email NewsletterSend to your list before June 1
Subject: We're still here — how to find us during I-65 construction
Hi [First Name],
You may have heard that a stretch of I-65 is closing this summer for bridge replacement work. The closure runs from June 1 through August 1 between the Watterson Expressway and Jefferson Street in downtown Louisville.
We want you to know: [Business Name] is staying fully open the entire time.
HOW TO REACH US DURING CONSTRUCTION:
[Route Option 1 — e.g., "From the south: Take Bardstown Rd north to Broadway"]
[Route Option 2 — e.g., "From downtown: Take 4th Street south to [Street]"]
[Parking note — e.g., "Parking on [Street] is free and easy"]
OUR HOURS (unchanged):
[Mon–Fri: Hours] · [Sat–Sun: Hours]
We know traffic disruptions can be frustrating, and we truly appreciate you making the trip. As a thank-you, [optional offer — e.g., "show this email for 10% off your next visit"].
Questions? Call us at [Phone] or reply to this email.
See you soon.
[Your Name] · [Business Name] · [Website] | [Phone]
Works for Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or plain email.
Directions
Alternate routing guide
Find the route relevant to your customers' direction, customize with your cross-streets and one memorable landmark, and test it yourself before sharing.
Before June 1: Drive each alternate route at a realistic time of day. "Turn left at the Marathon station" beats "turn left on Oak Street."
From the South — Fern Creek · Newburg · OkolonaI-65 Northbound Detour
- 1Exit I-65 at the Watterson Expressway (I-264) before the closure zone.
- 2Take I-264 East or West to Bardstown Road (Exit 14) heading north.
- 3Continue north on Bardstown Road through the Highlands into the Baxter Ave / Broadway area.
- 4From Broadway, access downtown Louisville streets heading west as needed.
📝 Customize: "At Bardstown Rd, turn left on [Your Street], we're the third building on the right."
From the North — St. Matthews · Crestwood · Oldham CountyI-65 Southbound Detour
- 1Use I-71 South to I-64 West as the primary bypass around the I-65 closure zone.
- 2Exit I-64 at the 3rd/4th Street Exit to reach the downtown core.
- 3Or exit at 9th Street to reach Old Louisville / University of Louisville corridor.
- 4Continue to your business cross-streets via surface roads.
📝 Between Broadway and Jefferson → 3rd/4th exit. Near UofL → 9th Street exit.
From the East — Jeffersontown · Middletown · Shelbyville RdI-64 Westbound — Least Disruption
- 1I-64 West is not directly affected — customers continue on I-64 and exit downtown.
- 2Use the 3rd/4th Street Exit or 9th Street Exit depending on your location.
- 3Avoid transferring to I-65 northbound — stay on surface streets once downtown.
📝 Lead with good news: "If you're coming from the East End, just hop on I-64 and exit downtown as usual."
From Indiana — New Albany · Clarksville · JeffersonvilleCross-River Detour
- 1The Kennedy Bridge (I-65 southbound) may be impacted near the closure — verify with KYTC before recommending.
- 2Recommend the Abraham Lincoln Bridge (I-65 express / tolled) for a different downtown approach.
- 3Or recommend the Clark Memorial Bridge (US-31) into downtown Louisville via River Road.
📝 Post in Nextdoor and Facebook groups on the Indiana side too — these are high-value customers.
Internal
Employee communications
Ready-to-send templates for your team. Customize the [brackets] with your specifics.
To: All Staff
From: [Your Name / Owner / Manager]
When to send: Week of May 26 — one week before closure
Hi team,
I want to give you advance notice about a construction project that may affect your commute and our customer traffic this summer.
WHAT'S HAPPENING:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is closing approximately 5 miles of I-65 — from the Watterson Expressway to Jefferson Street in downtown Louisville — from June 1 through August 1 for bridge replacement. This will affect traffic patterns throughout our part of the city.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
Your commute may take longer than usual. Please plan for extra travel time, especially in the first week or two as drivers adjust to the detours.
ALTERNATE ROUTES TO WORK:
[List 1-2 specific alternate routes employees can take to reach your location]
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING:
• Shift start flexibility: Talk to [Manager Name] if you're consistently running late. We can adjust your start time by [15-30] minutes during the closure.
• [Remote work, if applicable]: [Roles X and Y] may work from home on [days] if needed.
• Parking: [Note any changes — e.g., "Consider parking on [alternate street]."]
WHAT TO TELL CUSTOMERS:
We're staying fully open. Refer customers to the talking points card posted at the register.
Thank you for your patience this summer. Your professionalism with our customers during this time really matters.
[Your Name] · [Your Title]
To: All Staff
Purpose: Formal temporary scheduling accommodations during I-65 closure
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING POLICY — I-65 CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
Effective June 1, 2026 through August 1, 2026
1. SHIFT START FLEXIBILITY
Employees who commute via I-65 or adjacent corridors may request a start time adjustment of up to [20/30] minutes. Submit requests to your direct manager by [Date].
2. COMPRESSED OR ADJUSTED SCHEDULES
Where operationally feasible, employees may request compressed hours (e.g., 4 x 10-hour days) or schedule adjustments to avoid peak traffic hours (typically 7–9am and 4–6pm on detour routes). Approval is at management discretion.
3. REMOTE WORK [DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE]
Employees in [eligible roles] may work from home up to [X] days per week. Coordinate with your manager at least 48 hours in advance. Core hours of [10am–3pm] must remain consistent.
4. PARKING AND TRANSIT SUPPORT
[If applicable: "We will reimburse TARC monthly passes" / "Overflow parking is available at [location]"]
5. HOW TO REQUEST
Email [Manager / HR contact] with your current schedule, proposed adjustment, and reason. We will respond within 2 business days.
These accommodations expire August 1, 2026.
[Manager / Owner Name]
Print & post this card at the register, host stand, or front desk.
When they say the traffic is terrible
"We totally understand. We're glad you made it. For next time, the easiest route is [your alternate route]. We also have it posted on our Facebook and Google page."
When they ask if you're staying open through the summer
"Absolutely — open every day, same hours as always. The road closure is nearby but we're fully accessible from [alternate route]. We're not going anywhere."
When they ask how a friend can find you
"Tell them to avoid I-65 and instead [brief route]. They can also search [Business Name] in Google Maps — it'll route them around the closure automatically."
When they complain about the construction
"I hear you, it's a big project. But it ends August 1 and getting around will be so much easier. We're just glad to be open and to see you here."
Listings
Update your business listings
When customers search for you, they need to see accurate directions and hours. Complete all of these before June 1.
Step-by-step
Google Business Profile — business.google.com
1
Go to business.google.com and sign in with your business account.
2
Click your listing → "Edit Profile" → "Business Information."
3
Add to the top of your Description: "I-65 is closed nearby June 1–Aug 1 — we're still open. Best access via [your alternate route]."
4
Verify your hours are accurate for all days. Update summer hours if applicable.
5
Go to "Posts" → create a Google Post as an Event from June 1–August 1 so it stays active all summer without re-posting.
Step-by-step
Apple Business Connect — businessconnect.apple.com
1
Go to businessconnect.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2
Claim your place if you haven't — Apple verifies via phone call or postcard.
3
Update your business hours to confirm they're current.
4
Add a Showcase with your alternate route and "We're Still Open" message.
5
Update your "About" description with the construction note and alternate route.
About 20–25% of mobile map searches happen on Apple Maps — especially iPhone users. Don't skip this one.
Also update
Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook & your website
Yelp (biz.yelp.com): Update hours and add a note to your "From the Business" section with the alternate route.
TripAdvisor: Update hours and respond to any recent reviews mentioning directions — warmly, with your new route.
Facebook Page: Update "About" hours AND create a pinned post with your alternate route so it stays at the top of your feed.
Your website: A colored banner at the top of your homepage — "We're still open. I-65 closed nearby. Access us via..." — is highly effective.
Support
Resources & contacts
Key organizations, websites, and programs to help your business navigate the I-65 closure period.
Official construction information
🏗
I-65 Central Corridor
i65centralcorridor.com — official project site, updates & detour maps
Business support
🏙
Louisville Downtown Partnership
louisvilledowntown.org — downtown business support and marketing
🤝
Louisville Small Business Development Center
lsba.org — free counseling and financial guidance
🚌
TARC (Transit Authority of River City)
tarc.org — bus routes and transit options for employees and customers
Listing management
G
Google Business Profile
business.google.com
🍎
Apple Business Connect
businessconnect.apple.com
⭐
Yelp for Business
biz.yelp.com
One Louisville — Direct Support
If your business needs additional assistance, one-on-one guidance, or help with this toolkit, contact One Louisville directly.
