Imagine
NEW CIRCLE

Imagine New Circle is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the future of one of Lexington's most important roads - from Newtown Pike to Richmond Road - and help it better meet community needs while preserving its unique cultural features.

This study brought together residents, business owners, policymakers, and other community members to imagine how northeastern New Circle Road can be improved over the coming decades. Changes could include transportation and streetscape improvements, new housing and development opportunities, and ways to support existing and new businesses. 

The ideas gathered were combined with research data and national best practices to create a roadmap for northeast New Circle Road’s future and will help guide new designs, new policies, and decision-making by Lexington’s city government. 

Imagine New Circle is a study initiated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) in partnership with the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LAMPO), Lextran, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. It is part of the implementation of the 2018 Imagine Lexington Comprehensive Plan. 

Why Imagine New Circle? 


New Circle Road has changed a lot since it was first built in the late 1950s. Originally spanning Fayette County farmland, the northeastern portion of the New Circle Road corridor now is heavily used by more than 40,000 vehicles a day and provides access to tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of small and large businesses. This growth has brought both opportunities and challenges. While northeastern New Circle Road is home to some of Lexington’s most diverse neighborhoods and businesses, it also is challenged by uncomfortable roadways, traffic congestion, and a lack of support services for new businesses.


The Imagine New Circle study is an exciting opportunity to make sure its future growth meets the needs of the community while creating policies that preserve and support the businesses and neighborhoods that make it unique.

Project
MATERIALS

The Imagine New Circle project is taking a close look at the northeast portion of the New Circle corridor, between Newtown Pike and Richmond Road, to see how it can be improved in the coming years. We are looked at possible transportation and streetscape improvements, opportunities to foster new housing and development, and ways to better support existing and new businesses.

 

Materials developed in support of the project are listed below and can be reviewed by clicking on the links. New materials will be added as they are developed. 


May 2023

Northeast New Circle Road Corridor Study Report

Project Report

Research, best practices, and comprehensive public input were combined to prepare the transportation solutions and implementation strategies contained in this report to guide future improvements for northeast New Circle Road.


January 2023

Northeast New Circle Road Corridor Study Report

Interim Project Report

This report contains a review of the existing conditions, a market assessment, and review of land use opportunities, neighborhood transitions, and opportunities.


April 14, 2022

Project Area Map

Project Update, Map

View a map of the project area.


April 5, 2022

Imagine New Circle Project Fact Sheet

Project Summary

Brief overview of the Imagine New Circle project.

Public Input

Your Voice Matters.


Public input has been and will continue to be an important part of our planning process. As the Imagine New Circle planning study proceeded, our team wanted to hear your thoughts and ideas about the types of redevelopment the community wanted to see along Nicholasville Road and where it should occur. 

 

Information about public input opportunities is posted on this page as they were scheduled.

 

You can email us at any time with your thoughts and ideas. 

Public Outreach Opportunities

Business Canvassing 2022

Click here to view a summary of the May 24, 2022 Business Canvassing event.

Neighborhood Canvassing

Click here to view a summary of the June 1, 2022 Neighborhood Canvassing event.

Neighborhood Meeting #1

Click here to view a summary of the first Neighborhood Meeting on April 30, 2022.

Neighborhood Meeting #2

Click here to view a summary of the first Neighborhood Meeting on June 8, 2022.

Public Input Survey 2022

Click here to view a summary of the public input survey conducted May through August 2022.

Business Canvassing 2023

Click here to view a summary of follow up visits to businesses  conducted in April 2023

Public Input Survey 2023

Click here to view a summary of the public input survey conducted March through May 2022.

Public Hearing June 8, 2023

Discuss recommendations for northeast New Circle Road at the Planning Commission Meeting. 

1:30 p.m., Council Chambers

200 East Main Street

Input Opportunities for this study have concluded

Though if you have questions, concerns or more thoughts, please let us know by sending us an email

Would you like a discussion with your group?

If you would like project team representatives to come and discuss the Imagine New Circle project with your group, send us an email with your request.


What’s Next?

Priority Transportation & Safety Improvements

Corridor Design Standards

Catalyst Sites

Land Use



SPECIAL THANKS TO

Gresham Smith

Civic Lex

EHI

Rasor

SB Friedman

ZoneCo

for providing time and services that aided in research, content development, data collection, stakeholder engagement, website design, and much more!