The New Circle Road on and off ramps at Leestown Road in Lexington, Kentucky, have fully reopened to traffic. This reopening occurred nearly two weeks earlier than initially projected, providing relief to commuters ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet confirmed the full reopening on Sunday night. This allows for both left and right turns to and from Leestown Road. Right turns at the ramps had already resumed on November 16.
Key Takeaways
- New Circle Road ramps at Leestown Road are fully open.
- Reopening happened almost two weeks early.
- The project aims to widen the interchange to a double crossover diamond.
- Full project completion is expected in 2027.
Accelerated Project Timeline
The earlier-than-expected completion of this phase marks a significant milestone for the ongoing infrastructure project. The initial ramp closure was part of an effort to speed up work on widening the interchange.
Project managers focused on efficiency during the closure period. This allowed construction crews to advance critical work more quickly than anticipated. The goal was to minimize long-term disruption for local residents and businesses.
Quick Fact
The full project aims to transform the interchange into a double crossover diamond configuration, a design known for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Impact on Local Travel
The closure of these ramps had a notable impact on daily commutes and local business operations. Drivers faced detours and longer travel times, especially during peak hours.
Local businesses in the Leestown Road area reported challenges due to reduced accessibility for customers. The full reopening is expected to alleviate these issues, restoring normal traffic patterns and improving access for shoppers and clients.
"The early reopening is a welcome development for everyone who uses this busy corridor," stated a local commuter. "It makes a real difference for daily travel."
The Double Crossover Diamond Design
The broader project involves converting the interchange to a double crossover diamond (DCD) design. This innovative configuration temporarily shifts traffic to the opposite side of the road, allowing for direct left turns without conflicting with oncoming traffic.
DCD interchanges are designed to enhance safety and efficiency. They typically reduce the number of conflict points where vehicles might collide. This leads to fewer accidents and smoother traffic movement.
Understanding DCD Interchanges
A double crossover diamond interchange is a modern road design. It allows two directions of traffic on a non-freeway road to temporarily cross over to the opposite side of the road. This setup removes the need for left-turning vehicles to wait for opposing traffic, significantly improving flow.
Future Project Phases
While the ramps are now open, the overall widening project is not yet complete. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet estimates the entire project will conclude in 2027.
Further traffic changes and temporary closures may be necessary as work progresses on other sections of the interchange. The public will receive advance notice of any upcoming disruptions.
- Expected Completion: 2027
- Future Announcements: Updates on traffic changes will be provided.
- Overall Goal: Improve traffic flow and safety at the interchange.
Residents and travelers should continue to monitor local news and transportation alerts for the latest information regarding the Leestown Road project. The successful early reopening of the ramps demonstrates progress toward a more efficient and safer transportation network.
