Lexington to get $8.1 million to rebuild railroad overpass

A railroad overpass in North Lexington will be rebuilt thanks to more than $8 million in federal transportation grant money, officials announced Friday.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, announced Lexington would receive $8.1 million from a U.S. Department of Transportation federal grant program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

In addition to Lexington, Jackson will receive $21.1 million to help with much-needed repairs to the Panbowl Lake Dam, which has suffered damage in recent years due to repeat flooding in the Jackson area. Bellevue also received $3.7 million for a riverfront shared use trail.

“The health of Kentucky’s economy is closely tied to the strength of our bridges, dams, roads, and railways. These federal funds will support much-needed projects across the Commonwealth that will serve Kentuckians for years to come,” McConnell said.

McConnell was the lone Kentucky Republican to vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Lexington will use the $8.1 million to reconstruct and widen a North Broadway railroad overpass near New Circle Road. Sidewalks near the overpass will also be rebuilt and expanded. The improvements will also address flooding in the North Broadway and New Circle Road area. The changes will also make it easier for trucks to clear the overpass.

Gov. Andy Beshear said the state was thankful for the federal transportation money. The Beshear administration worked hard to secure all three grants.

“We are thankful for the funding to support this important project for Lexington,” Beshear said. “Our team worked hard to secure this grant which will help make sure our families have a safer place to drive, bike and walk.”

“Rebuilding the railroad overpass will remove barriers, increase mobility, enhance safety, and improve the economic vitality of the area,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. “This is a long-standing problem, and we are delighted to have funding that offers a solution.”

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story misidentified the North Broadway railroad overpass where the improvements will occur. The article has been updated.

This story was originally published June 23, 2023 at 1:31 PM.

Beth Musgrave

Lexington Herald-Leader

Beth Musgrave has covered government and politics for the Herald-Leader for more than a decade. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has worked as a reporter in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois and Washington D.C. Support my work with a digital subscription