LEXINGTON, Ky. — Drivers on New Circle Road should expect delays Friday as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet implements an overnight lane closure to support ongoing bridge construction. According to a press release from KYTC District 7, a single eastbound lane on the inner loop will close from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, between Old Frankfort Pike and just after the bridge over Leestown Road, spanning mile markers 6.0 to 7.3.

The closure is necessary to limit vibrations affecting a freshly-poured bridge deck as part of the larger New Circle Road widening project. Contractors urge drivers to plan accordingly and allow extra time for their commutes during the closure window.

The work is part of the New Circle Road widening project, a multi-phase construction effort that represents a significant investment in Lexington's transportation infrastructure. Part of the larger Driving Lexington Progress initiative, the overall project encompasses $170 million in construction projects along I-75/I-64, New Circle Road, and Leestown Road.

When completed in summer 2027, the New Circle Road widening project will substantially expand the roadway's capacity. The improvements include converting New Circle Road to three lanes with a paved median and barrier wall. The project also involves transforming the Leestown Road interchange into a double crossover diamond interchange, a design that reduces crashes by minimizing conflict points where traffic crosses paths.

Additional improvements include sidewalks along Leestown Road and sound barrier walls, particularly in the Meadowthorpe neighborhood. State officials say these safety enhancements and capacity improvements are essential to serving Lexington's rapidly growing population.

All closures remain subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. Drivers can track construction progress and receive real-time traffic updates through DrivingLexingtonProgress.org, or by using traffic apps like GoKY and Waze.