News Summary
Lexington is set to undergo significant traffic improvements, with construction beginning on New Circle Road and Richmond Road to enhance safety and access in the city. These projects aim to replace old sewer lines and introduce innovative R-CUT intersections designed to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents. As these enhancements unfold, residents can expect lane closures and other adjustments, ultimately paving the way for a better commuting experience and the future Town Branch Park. Stay informed as local officials plan to keep the community updated on progress.
Big Traffic Changes Ahead for Lexington: Get Ready for Construction!
Hey there, Lexington! Brace yourselves, as two major construction projects are about to kick off in our beloved city. If you’re someone who regularly drives around New Circle Road and Richmond Road, take note—things are about to get interesting.
New Circle Road Gets a Facelift
Starting this Monday, crews will hit the ground running on New Circle Road, focusing on replacing an old sewer line. This project will stretch all the way from Newtown Pike to Bryan Station Road and is expected to last around 24 months. So, if you thought you’d be cruising along without a care in the world, think again!
While most of the work will be happening off the main road, be ready for a few occasional lane closures to keep things safe as the work progresses. Don’t forget, Manchester Street will also close on Monday between Oliver Lewis Way and Central Bank Center as part of these construction efforts. Not all is gloomy, though—the right-turn lane onto Manchester Street from West High Street will be reopening during this time!
Prepping for Town Branch Park
What’s the goal of all this construction, you ask? Well, the projects aim to improve pedestrian access in anticipation of the future Town Branch Park—so think of it as paving the way (literally!) for more green spaces and safe walking paths in our city.
Richmond Road: Tackling Heavy Traffic
To tackle this, the Richmond Road project will introduce R-CUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) intersections. These nifty setups are designed to improve traffic flow and drastically reduce the number of serious collisions on the road. Traffic signals at specific intersections will get a makeover—some will be modified, while others will be completely removed. Get used to making right turns only on side streets, but don’t worry, there’s an option for U-turns on Richmond Road!
Intersections in the Spotlight
The intersections getting the R-CUT treatment include those with Squires Road, Yorkshire Boulevard, Hays Boulevard, and—you guessed it—right at the entrance to Brenda Cowan Elementary. In terms of safety, the Transportation Cabinet believes these changes could cut down crashes by nearly 40 percent and even lower fatal accidents by more than 50 percent. That’s something to cheer about!
What Else is in Store?
But the construction will not just stop at traffic intersections. Excitingly, there will also be a new shared-use path built on the northern side of Richmond Road, making it easier for bikers and walkers to access Jacobson Park. Talk about enhancements for our outdoor fun!
The estimated cost of all this transformation along Richmond Road comes to a whopping $12.75 million, sourced from various federal and state funds. Construction is slated to kick off in early 2025, with hopes of wrapping things up by summer 2026—so mark your calendars, everyone!
Staying Informed
Local officials are committed to keeping the community informed about these projects every step of the way. So, keep your eyes peeled for updates, and let’s navigate these changes together, Lexington!
All in all, while construction may cause a bit of inconvenience, the long-term benefits for traffic flow and safety promise a brighter, easier commute for everyone in Lexington. Here’s to a smoother road ahead!
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Traffic Alert for Construction
- ABC Columbia: Traffic Alert in Lexington
- KFVS12: Lexington Construction Project
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Construction Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
