Garbage Truck Fire Disrupts Traffic on New Circle Road

Lexington, August 29, 2025

News Summary

A garbage truck fire and subsequent vehicle crash on New Circle Road caused lane closures and traffic delays in Lexington this August. The incidents drew attention to ongoing congestion issues on this vital transportation route. Since its construction, New Circle Road has faced increasing traffic demands, prompting calls for traffic management improvements. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from either incident.

Lexington – A series of incidents on New Circle Road, including a garbage truck fire, prompted temporary lane closures and delays for motorists this August. The first incident occurred on August 11, when a garbage truck caught fire on the inner loop of New Circle Road between Versailles Road and Old Frankfort Pike. Fire crews responded around 12:15 p.m., leading to the immediate closure of the inner loop. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the fire.

By later updates, one lane was successfully opened to traffic. Over the following days, all lanes on the inner loop were restored to normal operational status. However, the disruptions continued as another vehicle incident took place on August 12. A crash involving a dump truck and a semi-truck occurred on the same portion of the road, leading to additional temporary lane closures. In light of these events, police officials have advised drivers to seek alternate routes during similar incidents in the area.

The recent events highlight ongoing concerns regarding traffic congestion on New Circle Road, which has served as a critical transportation route since its construction started in 1949. Originally known as Circle Pike or Lexington Circle Road, New Circle Road was developed to help manage urban growth and facilitate travel around Lexington. The beltway, officially designated as Kentucky Route 4, encompasses a 17-year construction project that began on August 18, 1949.

Initially built as a two-lane connector from Newtown Pike to Richmond Road, the road quickly demonstrated the need for expansion due to traffic demands. It was noted that the highway portion also required additional upgrades after its opening. A study conducted in 1997 revealed that a section of New Circle Road between Tates Creek Road and Nicholasville Road averaged over 60,000 vehicles daily, illustrating a significant 256% increase in traffic since 1967.

In response to escalating congestion, recommendations were put forward in 1987 to alleviate rush hour traffic, but these measures were not implemented. As New Circle Road continues to provide access to thousands of businesses and residential areas, ongoing studies regarding traffic congestion and potential upgrades remain a priority for local authorities.

The name New Circle Road was not settled without discussion; suggestions such as “Belly Band,” “Municipal Midriff,” and “Bluegrass View Boulevard” were among the creative proposals put forth in a column from 1950. Despite such variety, the name New Circle Road has endured through its many changes over the years.

With its significant history and evolving infrastructure, New Circle Road is more crucial than ever to Lexington’s urban landscape, prompting continuous studies for improvements that can positively impact daily commuters.

Timeline of Events

• August 18, 1949: Construction of New Circle Road begins.
• 1950: Various names suggested for the new roadway.
• 1967: Traffic study highlights significant vehicle increase.
• 1987: Congestion alleviation recommendations made but not executed.
• 1997: Traffic study shows continued growth in vehicle counts.
• August 11, 2023: Garbage truck fire prompts lane closures.
• August 12, 2023: Dump truck and semi-crash leads to additional disruptions.

Details of the Fire Incident

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Giuffre Family Expresses Outrage Over Maxwell Testimony Release
Kentucky to Remove Dam for Improved Safety and Ecosystem
Visitor Visas for Gaza on Hold – Implications and Reactions
One Hospitalized After Fire on Trent Boulevard in Lexington
Three-Car Crash Disrupts Traffic on Alumni Drive in Lexington
Tractor-Trailer Crash Closes Newtown Pike in Lexington
Garbage Truck Fire Causes Traffic Disruptions in Lexington
Chuck E. Cheese Closes Its Lexington Location
Garbage Truck Fire Disrupts Traffic in Lexington
University of Kentucky Launches BBN United Fan Club

Additional Resources

• Fox 56 News
• Wikipedia: New Circle Road
• Lex18 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Congestion
• Kentucky.com
• Google Search: Traffic Incidents New Circle Road

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.