Versailles Road is one of Lexington’s major arterial roadways connecting the City of Versailles and the Blue Grass Parkway to downtown Lexington. Vehicular traffic volumes of 25,000 vehicles per day are typical. It is also a connector from the Bluegrass Airport to downtown and serves as a major commuter route with one of Lexington's highest pedestrian and public transit uses.
Due to the current conditions and increased demand for high-quality pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government recognized the need to perform an in-depth study. The Versailles Road Corridor Study, completed in February 2015, is a comprehensive analysis of an approximate 2.5-mile span of Versailles Road from Parkers Mill Road to Oliver Lewis Way.
The study addresses current traffic demands, explores ways to enhance the pedestrian and bicyclist experience, increase safety for all and provide opportunities for beautification along the corridor. Aging facilities are also identified and quantified for upgrading and replacement.
Six major objectives of the study are
- Provide a safer, friendlier environment for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Encourage multi-modal usage
- Maintain current corridor capacity and level of service
- Improve roadway drainage
- Provide visual enhancements to the corridor
- Develop fundable projects
Through numerous public and stakeholder meetings, the final report reflects the concerns, desires and knowledge of landscape architects, professional engineers, The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky Transportation Center, public art consultants, residents and business owners.