Lexington, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Lexington is set to begin a significant safety redesign along a 1.8-mile stretch of North New Circle Road, which has the highest crash rates in Fayette County. The ‘Imagine New Circle Road’ project, costing $35 million and funded partly by a $22 million federal grant, aims to improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Planned enhancements include shared use paths, better pedestrian crossings, and four Restricted Crossing U-Turn intersections, addressing the urgent need for safer navigation in the area.
Lexington Plans Major Safety Redesign for North New Circle Road
A safety redesign is set to begin on a 1.8-mile stretch of North New Circle Road in Lexington, targeting one of the highest crash areas in Fayette County. The project, named “Imagine New Circle Road”, will cover the segment from Development Drive to Bryan Station Road and is expected to significantly enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
The total cost of the redesign is estimated at $35 million, with the city obtaining a historic $22 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This funding marks the largest federal transportation grant awarded to Lexington to date.
Between 2015 and 2021, there were 2,282 significant crashes reported along this stretch of road. The area has recently been acknowledged for its high rates of severe injury crashes and incidents involving pedestrians, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements.
Impact on Surrounding Neighborhoods
The redesign will directly affect six neighborhoods in northeast Lexington: Castlewood, Bryan Station, Elkhorn Park, Green Acres, Hollow Creek, and Breckenridge. Unlike other sections of New Circle Road that serve as freeways, this segment runs adjacent to residential areas and businesses, which increases pedestrian risk.
Planned Safety Improvements
The city plans to implement several safety enhancements, including:
- Shared use paths for pedestrians and cyclists
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings for improved safety
- Four “Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersections” (RCUTs), designed to reduce crashes and enhance pedestrian crossing safety
RCUTs are a less common design but have shown effectiveness in decreasing accidents at intersections.
Community Engagement
To encourage community input, a public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern Elementary, located at 340 Rookwood Parkway. The open house format allows residents to attend at their convenience to learn more about the project and share their thoughts.
Collaboration and Timeline
This project is a collaborative effort between the City of Lexington and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. While the exact timeline for the start of construction has not yet been disclosed, officials plan to keep the public informed as the project progresses.
Background Context
The ongoing challenges at this stretch of North New Circle Road have prompted city officials to prioritize redesign efforts, especially given the alarming statistics regarding crashes and injuries in the area. The improvements are aimed not just at enhancing vehicle flow, but also at creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists who navigate these often-busy roads.
FAQs
What is the “Imagine New Circle Road” project?
The “Imagine New Circle Road” project is a safety redesign initiative for a 1.8-mile stretch of North New Circle Road in Lexington, focusing on reducing crashes and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
How much will the project cost?
The estimated total cost of the project is $35 million, with $22 million coming from a federal grant.
When will the public meeting take place?
The public meeting will be held on November 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern Elementary, 340 Rookwood Parkway.
What safety features are planned for the redesign?
The planned safety improvements include shared use paths, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and four Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersections (RCUTs) to improve both vehicle and pedestrian safety.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Imagine New Circle Road |
| Length | 1.8 miles |
| Total Cost | $35 million |
| Federal Grant | $22 million |
| Crashes (2015-2021) | 2,282 significant crashes |
| Neighborhoods Affected | Castlewood, Bryan Station, Elkhorn Park, Green Acres, Hollow Creek, Breckenridge |
| Planned Improvements | Shared use paths, enhanced crossings, RCUT intersections |
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