Since 1995, the Federal Highway Administration’s Environmental Excellence Awards have recognized leaders across the country who make outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship and partnerships above and beyond traditional transportation project outcomes. In 2022, the Town Branch Commons Corridor project was one of only 14 projects across the nation to receive this award.

The Town Branch Commons Corridor is a transformative park and trail system through downtown Lexington, Kentucky, that traces the historic Town Branch Creek, Lexington’s first water source located in a culvert under modern-day streets. The project transforms a vehicular passage into a safe multimodal public space connecting more than 22 miles of continuous walking and biking paths, expands urban tree canopy, manages stormwater, connects diverse neighborhoods, and links the downtown core with the Greater Bluegrass Region. Multiple projects and visions for Town Branch Commons Corridor coalesced into a major public infrastructure improvement that connects people, increases safe biking and walking opportunities, expands the trail network, advances economic and environmental goals, and creates a more resilient community.