Lexington, KY - A trail that will one day connect downtown to Masterson Station Park has received a $6.5 million boost.
To be built over 5.8 miles in six phases – the first two of which have been completed and the third is underway–received funding to design and construct phases four and five during as well as design the final phase at a Tuesday morning press conference with Gov. Steve Beshear.
Design of the fourth phase will begin this year, and the section is scheduled for completion in 2016. Phase four is 2,800 feet long and will cost $1.01 million. It will pass under a bridge that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to reconstruct in 2015 as part of a widening of New Circle Road. Right of way will be required from Bluegrass Community and Technical College and the Veterans Administration, plus private landowners. There will also be some minimal utility relocation according to a release from the state.
Phase five will be designed in 2015 and should be completed in 2016. It is one mile long and will cost $5.1 million. It will require a bridge over R.J. Corman Railroad tracks and the Town Branch. That phase will not require any right of way acquisition or utility relocation, the state said.
The governor also announced $401,000 for the design of phase six that will extend the trail by 1.5 miles from McConnell Springs Park, through the Distillery District, to Oliver Lewis Way in downtown.
Once phases four and five are completed, the Town Branch Trail, which largely follows the Town Branch of the Elkhorn Creek, will connect Masterson Station Park with McConnell Springs.
“The Town Branch Trail is going to be an invaluable asset for Lexington and the greater community – not just today but for generations to come,” Gov. Beshear said according to a release from his office.
“The Town Branch Trail connects our history, our beautiful natural landscape and our urban environment,” Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said. “We appreciate the state’s partnership in developing a system trails across the city.”