SEN. NEMES PROVIDES UPDATE ON 

BELLS MILL ROAD BRIDGE CLOSURE

Shares information from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on project timeline and detour plans

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2025)—Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, shared updated information today regarding the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) project to replace the KY Highway 1526 (Bells Mill Road) bridge over Floyds Fork in Bullitt County. The bridge will close on Monday, November 17, and will remain closed through May 14, 2026.

Nemes said he requested a full briefing from KYTC after hearing concerns from residents who were surprised by the closure date and limited public notice.

“The number one priority here is public safety, but people deserve to know what is happening on their roads and why,” Nemes said. “I want to make sure every family affected by this closure has clear information and a place to get updates. I appreciate the cabinet keeping the public updated on the status of this project, and I am in communication with them to address other questions and concerns my constituents have raised.”

KYTC District 5 maintains a weekly webpage with traffic impacts and project updates, which includes this closure. Residents can view current information at the KYTC District 5 Roadshow site.

PROJECT DETAILS

The project will take place on KY Highway 1526 (Bells Mill Road) at mile point 14.35 and will involve replacing the bridge superstructure over Floyds Fork. Hall Contracting of Kentucky, Inc. is carrying out the $ 2.5 million project. According to KYTC, the closure is necessary because the existing superstructure has reached the end of its service life and requires complete replacement to meet modern safety standards.

DETOUR ROUTES

Westbound on Bells Mill Road

  • Turn left onto KY 61 (Preston Highway) toward Shepherdsville.

  • Turn left onto KY 44 (East 4th Street) to reconnect with Bells Mill Road.

Eastbound on Bells Mill Road

  • Turn right onto KY 44 (East 4th Street) through Shepherdsville.

  • Turn right onto KY 61 (Preston Highway) to reconnect with Bells Mill Road.

Drivers should obey signage, follow the detour, and plan for additional travel time.

ADDRESSING RESIDENT CONCERNS

Nemes said he has shared constituent questions directly with KYTC, including:

  • local concern about the short notice of the closure and the need for routine updates,

  • the expected impact on KY 44 traffic and whether law enforcement has been alerted,

  • questions about heavy truck traffic on Bells Mill Road and whether weight restrictions should be reviewed,

  • road shoulder deterioration and whether repairs can be incorporated while the bridge is closed, and

  • community rumors about wildlife-related timing

Nemes also requested confirmation from KYTC District 5 on whether the current project scope includes only the bridge replacement or if additional improvements along Bells Mill Road can be incorporated during the closure. He said he has asked KYTC to provide clear answers and a consistent communication plan.

Further technical details about the project will be provided by KYTC District 5, and Nemes said he is prepared to request additional clarification from the district as needed.

“Families want transparency, and I understand that,” Nemes said. “They want to know what is happening, why the timeline is set, and how the state will manage traffic and road conditions during the closure. I’m working to make sure those questions are addressed. I have also asked the cabinet to consider whether additional repairs can be made while the bridge is closed in order to avoid a second closure.”

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Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, represents the 38th Senate District, encompassing Bullitt County and part of southern Jefferson County. Nemes serves as chair of the Senate State and Local Government Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Health Services, Judiciary, and Licensing and Occupations. Nemes is also a member of the IT Projects Oversight and Public Pension Oversight Board. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg file of Nemes, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate138.jpg.