LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans temporary overnight closures of Leestown Road (U.S. 421) beginning on June 16 to accommodate bridge deck construction work for the New Circle Road widening project.

Starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, contractors will close Leestown Road in both directions under the New Circle Road (KY 4) overpass between the two sets of ramps at mile markers 1.9 and 1.7. All roads are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7.

Drivers can use alternate routes, including New Circle Road to Georgetown Road (U.S. 25) or Old Frankfort Pike (KY 1681), while the closure is in effect. The cabinet advises motorists to exercise caution and watch for signage and work crews in the construction zone.

The New Circle Road widening project is part of the broader Driving Lexington Progress initiative, a $170 million transportation investment. When completed in 2027, the project will widen the roadway and convert the Leestown interchange to a double crossover diamond interchange, similar to the one on Harrodsburg Road. The improvements are intended to increase capacity and improve safety and travel times in the rapidly growing area.

Additional safety enhancements planned include sidewalks, sound barrier walls, and added lanes. The transportation cabinet notes that all closures are scheduled tentatively and subject to change due to weather, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, drivers can visit GoKY.ky.gov or DrivingLexingtonProgress.org.