Leestown Road reopens following weekend work to transition traffic to new interchange
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2026) – Lexington’s second Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange is now open to traffic at Leestown Road (US 421) and New Circle Road (KY 4), marking a major milestone in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) New Circle Road Widening Project.
Leestown Road between Taylor Drive and Opportunity Way has also reopened to traffic, along with Exit 7 (US 421/Leestown Road) on New Circle Road, following a weekend closure that allowed crews to complete the final work needed to transition traffic into the new interchange configuration.
“Opening this interchange is a significant step forward for the New Circle Road corridor and for the thousands of people who travel through this area every day,” said KYTC District 7 Chief Engineer Kelly Baker. “Our crews accomplished a tremendous amount of work over the weekend to make this transition possible. We appreciate everyone’s patience, and we ask drivers to take their time, follow the signs and pavement markings, and give themselves a few trips through the interchange to get comfortable with the new traffic pattern.”
During the weekend closure, crews completed roadway grading, curb and sidewalk improvements and placed approximately 3,100 tons of asphalt to establish the new roadway grades. Crews also activated the new traffic signals and lighting, installed permanent pavement markings and signs, and completed other work necessary to safely shift traffic into the new DCD configuration.
Motorists traveling through the interchange should slow down, pay close attention to pavement markings, traffic signals and overhead signs, and allow extra travel time as drivers become familiar with the new traffic pattern.
A Major Milestone for the New Circle Road Widening Project
The Leestown Road/New Circle Road DCD is the second of its kind in Lexington, building on the success of the Harrodsburg Road/New Circle Road interchange that opened in 2011. Following the opening of that DCD, crashes along the corridor dropped 63% during the first two full years of operation compared to the previous two-year period. Traffic queues were also reduced by roughly half, improving travel times for the more than 35,000 vehicles that use the corridor each day.
The new interchange features three lanes of New Circle Road in each direction with a paved median and barrier wall, similar to the existing DCD at Harrodsburg Road and New Circle Road. New sidewalks along Leestown Road connect to existing sidewalks on both sides of New Circle Road and through the DCD. A sound barrier wall is also included on the inner loop from Leestown Road to the Norfolk Southern railroad bridge.
A DCD interchange briefly shifts traffic to the left side of the roadway between two signalized intersections, allowing drivers to make left turns onto ramps without crossing opposing traffic. The design reduces conflict points, improves traffic flow and allows signals to operate more efficiently. Clear pavement markings, traffic signals and signage guide motorists through the interchange.
Additional information about the Double Crossover Diamond, including educational materials explaining how to navigate the interchange, is available through KYTC’s Safe Roads Solutionsprogram and on the Driving Lexington Progress website.
While opening the DCD is a significant milestone, construction on the larger New Circle Road Widening Project continues. The project will widen New Circle Road between Leestown Road and Georgetown Road, improve pedestrian accommodations and increase roadway capacity to reduce congestion and prepare the corridor for future growth. The overall project remains on track for completion in summer 2027.
Motorists should continue to use caution throughout the project area, watch for construction crews and changing traffic conditions, and follow posted signs.
Find more information online at DrivingLexingtonProgress.org.
All work and closures are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions, emergencies and other factors beyond the control of the Department of Highways.
District 7 includes: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford Counties
Keep up with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
Navigate traffic with GoKY or via Waze on your smartphone!
|
-
-
