LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet opened a new underpass beneath Newtown Pike on September 25, marking a major milestone in the ongoing Newtown Pike widening project and providing a safer route for pedestrians and bicyclists along the Legacy Trail.

The underpass, located near Citation Boulevard, is part of a planned 1,200-foot trail connection linking Newtown Court to the Legacy Trail. The new passage allows trail users to travel beneath the roadway without crossing vehicular traffic, addressing a key safety concern for pedestrians and cyclists in the corridor.

"This is an exciting milestone for the project and for everyone who enjoys the Legacy Trail," said Kelly Baker, chief district engineer for KYTC District 7. "The new underpass provides a safer, more convenient connection for pedestrians and bicyclists by separating trail users from roadway traffic."

With the underpass now operational, trail users are being directed through the new underground connection rather than using the existing at-grade crossing at Newtown Pike and Citation Boulevard. The surface-level crossing has temporarily closed to pedestrian traffic to allow construction crews to complete remaining roadway improvements in the area.

The underpass opening represents progress on the broader Newtown Pike (KY 922) widening project, which aims to add a lane in each direction on Newtown Pike from New Circle Road to Interstate 75. When completed in 2027, the $80 million project is expected to improve traffic flow and safety by increasing capacity to accommodate current and future traffic volumes while also enhancing the Legacy Trail corridor.

Trail users are advised to follow posted signage and use the designated route through the underpass during the transition period. KYTC noted that all work and closures remain subject to change depending on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.