Awards: ACEC-KY Grand Award, ACEC-National Honor

Size: 2 miles of urban street reconstruction, including 14 intersections, 26 miles of underground piping and utilities, plus 5 rain gardens

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) undertook a major downtown improvement project encompassing more than 7 miles of urban roadway and 22 city streets. The project began with development of a comprehensive streetscape master plan. With endorsement of the master plan, LFUCG recently completed Phase I of improvements, which encompassed reconstruction of significant portions of Main and Vine Streets, South Limestone Street, and redevelopment of the Cheapside Park area, anchored by the popular “Farmer’s Market” venue.

Project achievements include the first ever FHA-approved floating bike lane and off-peak parking, rain gardens for roadway drainage water quality enhancement, traffic signalization upgrades of 14 intersections, and creation of defined districts through streetscape elements and identity piers.

Phase I projects represent more than $28 Million in infrastructure investment. Although only a portion of the total program, Phase I improvements have already been hailed for redefining the future direction of downtown Lexington.