The extension of two and a half miles of Citation Boulevard in Lexington means more to area residents than additional pavement. The new path is expected to impact traffic as well as business.
This stretch of Citation Boulevard links Leestown and Georgetown Roads. Traffic Engineer Director Dowell Hoskins-Squier says the divided four lane roadway should ease northwest Lexington congestion. “Any roadway connections are a good thing, so the more connectivity we have the better," she said. "And this will provide additional connections to the interstate."
Susan Hoffman and her husband Tom have been waiting for the Citation extension for 15 years. “I look forward to Leestown getting done," Susan Hoffman said. "That’s gonna be really nice. I hear that’s at the end of the year. This is wonderful. It’s long time coming and it’s great."
Tom Hoffman says the new path could really help with traffic. “We see the congestion here every day on Leestown Road," he said. "To have an alternate route just to get to other side of town and even to the freeway is a big benefit in itself. That’s what we’re really looking forward to. We’ve heard promises of all sorts of shopping centers and stores for years too, but seeing is believing there."
Mayor Jim Gray says Citation Boulevard was always envisioned to spur and support economic development. The state spent $25 million on the project with the city contributing just over $300,000 for traffic lights.
The opening of this part of Citation comes as state crews continue work nearby on widening Leestown Road. State Engineer Kelly Baker says that project, projected for completion by year’s end, is ahead of schedule.?
