Why are those crazy reversible lanes on Nicholasville Road?

Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history - some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.

Changes to traffic on Nicholasville Road went into effect nearly 50 years ago.

It’s a system that isn’t unique to Lexington, but even today, it certainly takes some getting used to.

On March 5, 1979, the reversible traffic lane system on Nicholasville Road went into effect. Love it or hate it, a study done a year later said it had reduced travel times along the busy roadway.

The installation of the reversible-lane system allows signalized intersections of the road to change direction during peak travel times. During the morning rush hour, more lanes are open heading into town, while during the evening rush hour, more lanes are available heading out of town.

According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), reversible lanes “potentially one of the most effective methods of increasing rush-hour capacity of existing streets under the proper conditions.”

A study conducted by the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KDOT) found the reversible lane system to be a success.

“Some experts had doubts and misgivings about the probability of its successful and safe operation,” Jason Hayes, director of research for the KDOT said.

“Delays have been reduced substantially in the direction of peak traffic flow during both AM and PM operation. A one-year before-and-after analysis indicated no significant increase in accidents.”

The implementation of similar plans on Harrodsburg Road and Tates Creek Pike were scuttled after the report found that reversible lanes weren’t warranted there and that those roads provide alternate routes to Lexington for traffic in the off-peak direction.

Installing reversible lanes on those roads, the report said, could have adversely affected traffic on Nicholasville Road.

Anyone who’s ever traveled Nicholasville Road after 3 p.m. between Thanksgiving and Christmas is eternally grateful for THAT decision.

Have a question or story idea related to Lexington’s 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 4:00 AM.