Louisville, KY -- In the interest of public safety, blasting on the site of the Louisville VA Medical Center has been suspended indefinitely following an unforeseen incident at the construction site today. During the blasting as part of earthwork on the site, fragments of sediment and rock landed on I-264, “Watterson Expressway,” and onto adjacent properties causing damage. There were no injuries reported and local law enforcement responded.
Work was halted immediately and further investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. Construction activities will resume tomorrow, but all blasting activities will remain suspended. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the prime contractor, Walsh-Turner Joint Venture II, and Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals will continue to investigate the matter and there will be no further blasting until the government is confident that appropriate safety measures are in place. Public safety remains our number one priority.
Anyone who feels they may have incurred damage due to the incident today should contact USACE Public Affairs by emailing LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil.
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Release no. 22-029