Public Notification: Amendment #5 to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
What This Means
Pending approval by the Lexington Area MPO Transportation Policy Committee (scheduled for June 26, 2024) this amendment is about adding the following project from the recently adopted 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan to the TIP:
Newtown Pike Extension (NPE) – “Scott Street Connector” (MTP ID FAY-002, KYTC Item# 7-593.30)
The “Scott Street Connector” (aka Newtown Pike Extension Phase III) is the final phase of one of Lexington’s most significant transportation improvement projects. Once complete, the Newtown Pike Extension project will improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion in downtown Lexington. It will also make sure there’s better access – for driving, biking, and walking – to the University of Kentucky’s central campus, surrounding hospitals, and retail locations.
The map below shows a general proposed alignment for the Scott Street Connector. Exactly where the road will be located will be determined during the design phase. This will include an outreach effort to gather input. Key stakeholders in the immediate area that will be affected are already engaged in this project.
Why Make This Amendment?
We need to make sure there is funding available in the Transportation Improvement Program for this critical piece of the Newtown Pike Extension project. The estimated total budget for the NPE – Scott Street Connector is $41.5 million. This amendment adds only the design phase to the current FY 2021 – FY 2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Future funding for the next phases will need to be identified and added to the FY 2025 – FY 2028 TIP (which goes into effect October 1, 2024). You can view more details in the amendment memo.
For more about the project’s background, check out:
What’s next?
The MTP is the MPO’s long-term plan for transportation in the region. The TIP lists all transportation programs and projects for which transportation funds have been allocated over a four year period. Any project that uses federal transportation funds or is considered to be “regionally significant” by the MPO must be identified within the TIP.
Questions and comments regarding these amendments may be directed to the Lexington Area MPO by email: lexareampo@lexingtonky.gov or written comments may be mailed to the MPO at:
Lexington Area MPO
101 East Vine Street, Suite 700
Lexington, KY 40507
