News Summary
State leaders have unveiled a significant multi-million dollar initiative to widen New Circle Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety across critical intersections, particularly at Woodhill Drive and Liberty Road. Community engagement is a priority, with residents expressing concerns about the project’s impact on parking and property access. Lane closures are set to begin soon as preparatory construction work is initiated. The first phase is expected to start in 2026, highlighting a commitment to improving the accessibility and safety for all road users.
Lexington, Kentucky – A significant infrastructure project is in the works as state leaders announce a multi-million dollar initiative to widen New Circle Road. This project aims to address ongoing traffic congestion and improve safety along the corridor that stretches from Trade Center Drive to Woodhill Drive. Particularly, improvements will also be made at critical intersections, specifically at Woodhill Drive and Liberty Road.
The New Circle Road improvement project has several primary objectives, including enhancing overall safety for motorists and pedestrians, reducing traffic congestion, and increasing accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Safety is particularly crucial as the area has a troubling history of pedestrian fatalities, especially around the Woodhill Drive intersection.
This project will be executed in multiple phases. The first phase will involve Right of Way and Utility Relocation work, with an expected start date in 2026. Construction work is projected to commence in 2028, with completion anticipated by 2027. As part of this initiative, community input is being actively sought to ensure that local residents feel comfortable with the planned enhancements, highlighting the commitment to involving the public in the decision-making process.
Though community engagement is underway, several residents have voiced concerns regarding potential ramifications of the project. Notably, issues related to parking and property access may arise due to additional roadway footage needed for widening. A community input session has already taken place, allowing residents to share their thoughts and express their concerns about the anticipated changes.
In the meantime, residents and commuters should prepare for immediate changes as lane closures are scheduled to begin this Thursday. Construction on the New Circle Road bridge will result in significant traffic modifications. Starting at 1 p.m., one lane of Leestown Road will be closed where it intersects with the New Circle Road bridge. Following this, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, one lane of the New Circle outer loop will also be temporarily closed at the same intersection.
By 10 p.m. on Thursday evening, both Leestown and New Circle roads are set to be fully closed to allow for necessary work. However, traffic will be redirected onto interchange ramps during the closure. Commuters can expect all lanes to be reopened by 5 a.m. on Friday, though disruptions may occur during the closures.
This bridge work is part of the larger New Circle Road widening project, which aims to enhance both safety and efficiency throughout the region. The final design plans for the widening project include a paved median and a barrier wall for New Circle Road, as well as a double crossover diamond configuration for the Leestown interchange designed to mitigate accidents.
As Lexington residents await the full rollout of these improvements, they can expect updates and further information as the project advances into its next phases. Continued community dialogue remains a priority for state leaders as they work toward achieving a safer and more accessible New Circle Road for all users.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Demolition of Black Lives Matter Plaza Begins Amid Community Reactions
Multiple Crashes Reported on New Circle Road in Lexington
Major Traffic Changes Planned for Lexington Roads
Lexington Welcomes a Flavorful Wave of New Restaurants
Lexington Initiates Major Sewer Line Replacement Project
Lexington Faces Rising Tide of Traffic Accidents
Two Car Crashes Shake Lexington Community, One Fatality
Lane Closures Planned for New Circle Road Widening in Lexington
Universities Brace for Turbulent Times Amid Looming Funding Cuts and Political Pressure
Additional Resources
- WKYT
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: New Circle Road improvement project
- WTVQ
- Google Scholar: Traffic Congestion Solutions
- FOX 56 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: New Circle Road Construction
