The University of Kentucky’s latest road project will likely result in some headaches for drivers this summer, but officials are promising the result will clear the way for smoother traffic along Alumni Drive.
Traffic may be moving at a reasonable clip at the corner of Alumni and University Drive during the groundbreaking Monday, but as UK Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Eric Monday notes, that’s not always the case.
"If you come across Alumni in the morning, it's not unusual for the stop sign right there at University to be backed all the way past the stadium if you're going to Limestone," he says.
It’s that situation UK officials want to alleviate with their newest round of construction.
The heavily-traveled road linking Tates Creek and Nicholasville is being prepped for a makeover – to focus primarily on its two intersections at College Way and University Drive, which will be converted into roundabouts. Drivers can also expect new entrances into Commonwealth Stadium and UK’s athletic fields. Monday says the university chose to fast track the project during the summer months when fewer students need access to stadium parking.
"There are going to be some detours for the next few months," he explains. "You're still be able to get to the Arboretum, the child care center, and our housing facilities that are located across Alumni Drive, but there is going to be some delays so we can achieve the completion date of August."
Monday says UK will work to publicize any closures and alert motorists to alternate routes.
The university plans to use $5 million in state money to fund the project.
