Lexington, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has approved the removal of 77 old wayfinding signs due to safety issues and lack of maintenance. With a budget surplus of $6.3 million, $55,000 will be allocated for the removal, which will be handled by city crews to save costs. New compliant signs will be designed in collaboration with VisitLex, aiming to enhance public safety and the city’s aesthetics. This initiative is part of broader improvements to urban infrastructure in Lexington.
Lexington officials have approved the removal of 77 deteriorating wayfinding signs scattered throughout the city. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council made this decision following a review of a $6.3 million budget surplus, allocating $55,000 specifically for the removal efforts. These signs, which were originally installed prior to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, have suffered extensive wear and damage largely due to a lack of maintenance funding.
According to city officials, the current wayfinding signs do not comply with state or federal highway signage guidelines, prompting the need for their removal. Councilwoman Whitney Elliott Baxter, the chair of the city’s corridors commission, emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks in order to enhance public safety and sign visibility.
The allocated $55,000 will cover the costs of using city crews for the removal process. This approach is significantly more economical compared to contracting the work out to external services, which would have cost approximately three times as much. The timeline for the removal is projected to begin sometime during the winter or spring months.
In tandem with this removal initiative, the city is engaging with VisitLex to collaborate on new designs for replacement wayfinding signs. These new signs will be formulated to meet the latest state and federal regulations, ensuring better compliance and functionality for residents and visitors alike. Councilwoman Baxter has indicated that the corridors commission is likely to seek additional funding for these new signs in the upcoming budget cycle.
Current wayfinding efforts have been challenged by the old signs’ poor condition, which negatively affects the city’s image and usability for navigating urban areas, particularly for newcomers and tourists. The council’s action reflects a commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and improving the overall aesthetics of Lexington.
The removal of these signs is just one step in a series of improvements planned by the city to upgrade public safety and appearance. The council believes that new, well-designed wayfinding systems can contribute positively to the city’s navigation experience, ultimately benefitting local businesses and the community at large.
This development is particularly significant as it showcases the city’s investment in infrastructure improvements, focusing on enhancing accessibility and usability for the public. As Lexington grows and adapts to new challenges, initiatives such as these are viewed as essential to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Background Context
The wayfinding signs were a part of city improvements initiated before a major event, the 2010 World Equestrian Games, which were aimed at boosting Lexington’s profile as a premier destination. However, since then, the lack of continued funding for maintenance has left many of these installations deteriorating, leading to the current situation.
New signage can play a crucial role in urban planning by guiding visitors and residents alike, reflecting a city’s culture and offerings. The eventual installation of modern, compliant signs will serve as a testament to Lexington’s ongoing development and dedication to improving the quality of life for its inhabitants.
FAQ
Why are the wayfinding signs being removed?
The wayfinding signs are being removed due to their deteriorating condition and non-compliance with state and federal highway signage guidelines.
How much has been allocated for the removal of the signs?
A total of $55,000 has been allocated for the removal of the signs, which will be carried out by city crews.
When will the removal of the signs take place?
The removal of the signs is expected to take place in the winter or spring.
Will there be new signs installed?
Yes, the city is working with VisitLex to design new wayfinding signs that comply with state and federal regulations.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Signs Removed | 77 |
| Budget for Removal | $55,000 |
| Cost Comparison | Contracting out would have cost three times as much. |
| Timeline for Removal | Winter or Spring |
| Future Plans | New compliant signs in cooperation with VisitLex. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Council Approves Sign Removal
- Wikipedia: Wayfinding
- Richland Source: Mansfield Advances Wayfinding Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Signage
- Kentucky.com: Business News in Kentucky
- Google Search: Urban Planning
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky State News
- Google News: Lexington Infrastructure
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
