Work Commences on Beautifying Town Corridors

Work is getting underway on the east edge of town to add flowers, trees and bushes at the I-20/US 378 intersection.

The work is part of an overall plan to increase Lexington's aesthetic appeal at 7 key points leading into town, according to this report in the The State.

The plan, created by an advisory panel, also is part of . The idea behind the beautification project is part of an overall vision of not only enticing visitors to town, but also making it more livable for residents.

The first project, with a cost of $600,000, is primarily being funded through state and federal aid, the paper reported. A portion of proceeds from town festivals and events, such as this upcoming weekend's Wine Walk, also will be tapped.

It's envisioned that the projects, when completed, will not impede traffic flow or narrow roadways, the paper reported. "Commuters still fuss about a one-block buffer installed in 2003 on Main Street downtown (U.S. 1) that narrowed the road and prevents left turns," the paper said.

The new approach will avoid those problems while providing a better-looking image, Mayor Randy Halfacre told the paper.