Lexington County Plans New Interstate Exit Near Red Bank

News Summary

Lexington County officials have approved plans for a new interstate exit at Calks Ferry Road, aiming to improve traffic flow in the growing Red Bank area. The county council’s unanimous vote on March 11 initiates an engineering contract with a budget of $995,000 to conduct a traffic study and design the planned interchange. With the county’s population rising significantly, the project is seen as a vital step toward reducing congestion and enhancing accessibility for residents and businesses alike.

Lexington County Takes Steps for a New Interstate Exit Near Red Bank

In a move that aims to enhance traffic flow and address rising transportation concerns, Lexington County officials have approved plans for a proposed new interstate exit just past the bustling Red Bank area. This exciting development is slated to be located at Calks Ferry Road, a decision that city leaders feel is a timely response to the area’s growing population and increased traffic.

What’s Happening?

On March 11, the county council voted unanimously to move forward with an engineering contract to kick off the new exit planning. The estimated budget to get this project rolling? A hefty $995,000 earmarked for engineering consulting services. This funding will cover critical initial tasks such as a comprehensive traffic study and the designs necessary to embark on this ambitious journey. As of now, the project is still at the drawing board stage, meaning actual construction won’t happen until further assessments are completed.

The Planning Process

One of the main requirements before construction can begin is the completion of a traffic analysis and the creation of an Interchange Justification Report for submission to the Federal Highway Administration. These steps are essential to ensure every detail is meticulously assessed and accounted for, paving the way for a successful modern interchange that serves the community.

Brent Hyatt, who oversees public works in the county, has expressed that this engineering contract is a significant first step toward a fully operational interchange, demonstrating that the county is taking a serious approach to manage the area’s traffic concerns.

Funding and Timeline

Interestingly, this latest initiative follows the allocation of $1 million that was set aside by state legislators in last fiscal year’s budget specifically for traffic management improvements. County council member Darrell Hudson has noted that this project has been on the radar for approximately eight years, underscoring the long-term commitment to improving local infrastructure.

With the community expanding significantly—having welcomed around 2,500 new residents in the past decade—there is a pressing need for modern infrastructure to support the growing population. While exact daily traffic counts for the specific area of the proposed interchange are currently unavailable, nearby stretches of Interstate 20 have been reported to average 48,400 vehicles per day in 2023, according to data from the state Department of Transportation.

A Bright Future Ahead

As growth continues to reshape the Red Bank region, planners and community leaders are optimistic that the new interchange will alleviate congestion and enhance accessibility for both residents and businesses alike. The proposed exit could boost not only everyday travel but also economic development by improving connectivity for the neighborhood.

Community members have a lot to look forward to as this project progresses. As plans continue to unfold, the county is dedicated to keeping the public informed and engaged. The proposed interchange represents just one of several steps Lexington County is taking to ensure that it meets the transportation needs of its residents now and in the future.

In conclusion, with the planning in motion and funding secured, the people of Lexington can keep their fingers crossed that this crucial development will soon become a reality, ultimately leading to improved transportation and a brighter future for all.

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Additional Resources

• Lexington Chronicle
• Wikipedia: Transportation in the United States
• Kentucky.com
• Google Search: Lexington County transportation projects
• ABC Columbia
• Google Scholar: traffic improvement projects
• The State
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban transportation
• Kentucky.com
• Google News: Lexington traffic updates

Author: HERE Lexington