Utility projects leave Lexington roads in bad shape. Mayor wants work to speed up
Two local utilities have been working on improvement projects that have been “idling on for months,” according to Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, and she wants the upgrades sped up in order to make the roads better.
Those projects have left both High Street and Fontaine Road in tough shape for drivers.
“Just like everyone who travels these roads every day, I’m frustrated. I’m asking them to step on the gas,” Gorton said in a media statement Friday morning.
Columbia Gas and Kentucky American Water have both been replacing lines on the two streets. Columbia Gas’ projects are both completed, but Kentucky American Water’s work is still underway.
Gorton said her calls to Kentucky American Water asking “for its cooperation and assistance in finishing its work quickly” have gone unanswered.
City road crews finished temporary road improvements to Fontaine on Thursday. Now the city will begin making improvements to a section of High Street between Rose and Mill Streets.
It wasn’t immediately clear when the utility company planned to finish its work, or when it started.
“The utility needs to finish its work, and we need to get the resurfacing scheduled as soon as possible. In the meantime, I have directed city crews to immediately make temporary improvements that will make the ride smoother,” Gorton said.
