This week, we learned that some major changes are coming to the north part of New Circle Road thanks to "one of the largest federal grants in Lexington’s history," Mayor Linda Gorton said.

The $21.7 million in funding comes to us thanks to the US Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant. This initiative will allocate $5 billion over 5 years (from 2022 to 2026) to regional and local entities, addressing roadway deaths + safety concerns. This month's round saw $817 million awarded to 385 communities across the country.

Lexington will use the funding to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes through three significant efforts:

Reconstructing New Circle Road between Boardwalk and Bryan Station Road
Implementing the Lexington Area Safety Action Plan, a citywide public safety campaign targeting safe driving behaviors
Creating a position within the city to implement the above plan

A proposed 10-ft, shared-use path will extend along New Circle Road in this section. | Map courtesy of the City of Lexington

The work along New Circle Road will focus on the section between Newtown Pike + Bryan Station Roads. According to the Herald-Leader, that section saw 34 fatal or severe crashes from 2015 to 2021, with 44% involving pedestrians or cyclists.

The city will pitch in $1 million for the overhaul, and work could start in the next 18 months. Safety upgrades include:

Increased lighting
Better neighborhood access
New shared-use paths
Enhanced pedestrian crosswalks
Proposed Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersections

“These improvements complement our city’s Complete Streets policy aimed at creating efficient, safe and useful streets that are safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers,” said Mayor Gorton.