The long-awaited transformation of the Leestown Road and New Circle Road intersection into a double crossover diamond interchange is finally set to begin, resembling the one on Harrodsburg Road. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently announced the commencement of the $62.7 million project, including the widening of a section of New Circle Road, slated to start next week.
The initiative to incorporate a double crossover diamond on U.S. 421 has been in progress since 2012 and aims to enhance the capacity and operation of the interchange, as per the transportation cabinet’s news release. Additionally, the widening of New Circle Road to three lanes in each direction between Leestown Road and Georgetown Road, along with the addition of a paved median and barrier wall, is part of the project.
Moreover, a sound barrier wall will be erected on the inner loop of New Circle Road from Leestown Road to the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, preceding Georgetown Road. The integration of sidewalks through the new interchange, connecting with existing ones on both sides of New Circle, is also planned.
Scheduled for completion by August 1, 2026, the project has been awarded to L-M Asphalt Partners. Commencing with the installation of signage on Monday, the project will also involve periodic lane closures for milling and paving work on New Circle Road from Tuesday night to Saturday morning, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. To ensure smooth passage through the work zones, signage will be implemented, and the transportation cabinet has committed to providing regular updates on significant changes to traffic patterns.
Notably, the double crossover diamond on Harrodsburg Road, opened in 2011, has effectively reduced crashes in the area, serving as a successful model for this upcoming project. For more information, visit here.
