Street design manual heads to initial Council vote. What would it mean for Lexington travelers?

During August 18th’s Work Session, Council will review Lexington’s proposed Complete Streets Design Manual. This manual has been years in the making, and it seeks to make Lexington’s streets more safe and accessible.

In 2022, Lexington adopted its Complete Streets policy. The manual will require local government employees and developers to comply with its standards when they repave and redesign existing streets or create new ones.

In the past, street design practices were primarily focused on vehicle efficiency, but the updated manual includes pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists.

According to Work Session meeting materials, notable changes include designing streets based on surrounding land use, protecting bicycle facilities, implementing safer intersection designs, widening sidewalks, requiring medians on major roadways, expanding street tree requirements, and adding standards that support long-term tree health.

If it advances out of Council’s Work Session, the item would need two readings by the full Council to be adopted.