News Summary
Lexington County officials are proposing a new exit off Interstate 20 at Calks Ferry Road to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area. This initiative aims to provide residents with an alternative route and improve overall traffic flow. Councilman Darrell Hudson is advocating for this long-overdue solution, and local support has been strong. With an initial investment of $1 million for the engineering phase, officials aim to finalize plans and gain necessary approvals for completion within the next 10 years.
Lexington County’s Traffic Relief Plan: A New Interstate Exit on the Horizon
In the bustling town of Lexington, officials are laying the groundwork for an exciting new proposal that could drastically improve the daily commute for thousands. The county is entertaining the idea of creating a brand-new exit off Interstate 20, specifically off Calks Ferry Road. This initiative is designed to ease the traffic headaches many residents face, especially around the busy Exit 51 at Longs Pond Road.
Why is This Exit Needed?
For years, locals have experienced the frustrating congestion as they navigate downtown Lexington. The proposed exit could offer drivers an alternative route that is roughly six minutes away from Longs Pond Road, allowing them to escape the familiar battle of traffic jams. By diverting drivers onto this new exit, it is anticipated that overall traffic flow will see a significant improvement.
Community Voices Matter
Community leaders have been listening to the citizens and gathering feedback, and it appears the sentiment for this new exit is strong. While it seems like an idea whose time has come, it has never been formally requested until now. Councilman Darrell Hudson, who is championing this project, believes that this is a long-overdue solution. He underscores that the new exit would lead to a six-lane highway, steering commuters away from crowded downtown streets.
Investing for a Smarter Future
In a nod to the project’s potential, county officials have already set aside approximately $1 million for the engineering phase. This preliminary investment aims to cover essential planning requirements including traffic studies and the layout design for any modifications needed to the current infrastructure. However, the overall project cost is still a mystery, with Hudson intent on obtaining all necessary approvals as the plan evolves.
Optimism in the Community
Local resident Jessica Crapps has voiced her support for the new exit, emphasizing how beneficial it would be in managing heavy traffic, particularly around school zones. It’s a sentiment shared by many frustrated residents, who find themselves stuck deciding between various traffic bottlenecks. A new exit might just be the solution they have been longing for.
Plenty of Work Ahead
As excitement builds, there is still a lot of planning to be done before any shovels hit the ground. The county council has already taken initial steps by voting unanimously to approve the engineering contract during a recent meeting. After this phase is completed, officials will need to finalize both the design and the costs before seeking both state and county approval to move forward.
Aiming for Completion
Looking ahead, officials hope to have the new interchange ready for use within the next 10 years. That gives the community something to look forward to as they navigate the increasing congestion and traffic concerns in the growing Red Bank area, which has welcomed approximately 2,500 new residents over the past decade.
Traffic Statistics That Speak Volumes
The need for improvements is underscored by data from the state Department of Transportation, revealing that Interstate 20 near Longs Pond Road currently sees an eye-popping average of 48,400 vehicles per day. As the area continues to grow, addressing these traffic challenges becomes not just a priority but also a necessity.
With thoughtful planning and strong community support, this proposed exit might just pave the way for a smoother drive for Lexigntonians. Let’s hope the wheels of progress begin turning soon!
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Proposed I-20 Exit in Lexington County
- The State: Local News Article
- LEX18: Traffic Incident on I-64
- Kentucky.com: Local News Update
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Management
- Google Search: Lexington traffic news
- Google Scholar: Local traffic improvements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Road Infrastructure
- Google News: Lexington traffic
