Lexington, Kentucky, November 18, 2025
The exit ramps for New Circle Road to and from Leestown Road in Lexington, Kentucky, have partially reopened ahead of schedule. Originally expected to open on November 26, the right lanes of all ramps were made accessible on November 16. This reopening is part of a widening project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety, although right-turn restrictions remain in effect temporarily. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Lexington, Kentucky: New Circle Road Exit Ramps at Leestown Road Partially Reopen Ahead of Schedule
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The New Circle Road exit ramps to and from Leestown Road have partially reopened ahead of schedule, providing relief to drivers who have been navigating detours for over a week. Originally slated to reopen on November 26, the right lanes of all four ramps reopened on Sunday, November 16, by 5 p.m. This early reopening is part of the ongoing New Circle Road widening project, which aims to enhance traffic flow and safety in the area.
Temporary Right-Turn Restrictions
While the ramps are now accessible, turning movements are temporarily limited to right turns only to and from Leestown Road. This restriction is in place as contractors work to switch Leestown Road traffic from the inside (far-left lane) to the outside (right lane). Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow posted signs during this transition period.
Project Overview and Timeline
The New Circle Road widening project is designed to increase capacity and improve the operation of New Circle Road and the Leestown Interchange. The project includes converting the Leestown Road interchange to a Double Crossover Diamond configuration, which is proven to reduce crashes and improve safety. Additionally, the project will feature three lanes of New Circle Road in each direction, a paved median, and a barrier wall. New sidewalks along Leestown Road will connect to existing sidewalks on both sides of New Circle Road and through the interchange. A sound barrier wall will be included on the Inner Loop from Leestown Road to the Norfolk Southern railroad bridge. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Previous Ramp Closures and Detours
Prior to this partial reopening, all four New Circle Road on and off ramps at Leestown Road were closed from November 9 to November 16 to expedite the widening and interchange reconstruction. During this closure, drivers were detoured to and from Leestown Road via Georgetown Road (U.S. 25) and Citation Boulevard. Through traffic on Leestown Road remained open in the far-left lane in each direction. These closures were part of the effort to return Leestown Road to two lanes in each direction by mid- to late-December, reducing traffic congestion for remaining construction work.
Weather Advisory
As of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the weather in Lexington is cloudy with a temperature of 40°F (4°C). Drivers should exercise caution due to potential slippery conditions on bridges and overpasses. The forecast for the upcoming days includes periods of rain and a thunderstorm on Tuesday, with thunderstorms bringing localized damaging wind gusts, hail, and flooding downpours. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and adjust their travel plans accordingly to ensure safety during the construction period.
Contact Information
For further updates on the New Circle Road widening project and any additional traffic changes, please refer to official communications from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7. Staying informed will help minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience during the construction phase.
FAQ
What are the dates and times for the ramp closures?
The ramps connecting New Circle Road to Leestown Road were closed from 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
What are the detour routes during the closure?
To reach Leestown Road from New Circle Road, use the Georgetown Road Exit 8 (U.S. 25) to Citation Boulevard to Leestown. To reach New Circle Road from Leestown Road, take Citation Boulevard to Georgetown Road to New Circle. Through traffic on Leestown Road to and from downtown Lexington should remain in the far-left lane.
What is the purpose of the New Circle Road widening project?
The project aims to increase capacity and improve the operation of New Circle Road and the Leestown Interchange, enhancing safety and reducing travel times in the rapidly growing area of Lexington. It includes converting the Leestown Road interchange to a Double Crossover Diamond configuration, which is proven to reduce crashes.
When is the New Circle Road widening project expected to be completed?
The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Where can I find more information about the New Circle Road widening project?
For more information, visit the official project website at DrivingLexingtonProgress.org.
Key Features of the New Circle Road Widening Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Completion Date | 2027 |
| Interchange Design | Conversion to Double Crossover Diamond configuration |
| Lane Configuration | Three lanes in each direction on New Circle Road |
| Additional Infrastructure | Paved median, barrier wall, new sidewalks, sound barrier wall |
| Safety Improvements | Enhanced traffic flow, reduced crashes, improved safety |
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