The current Newtown Pike Extension Project extends as a four-lane boulevard from Main Street in a southerly direction to Patterson Street. In June 2000, a report was issued concerning the purpose and need for extending Newtown Pike. The purpose and needs statement focused on:

• Drawing unnecessary traffic out of downtown
• Improving flow of through traffic
• Minimizing impact on the University of Kentucky’s central campus
• Reducing automobile congestion
• Improving downtown redevelopment opportunities
• Increasing opportunities for transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities
• Not imposing undue burden on other areas

From this study, a map of the preferred traffic corridor was developed.

Newtown Pike Corridor Plan

Southend Park Urban Village Plan

This project has been a part of the Lexington comprehensive planning process for many years. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has committed the funding through 2023 to finalize Phase 2.