Change in Winchester Ave. construction plan, mini-roundabouts to start in January

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 28, 2023

(ASHLAND, Ky.) After extensive consideration and planning, the construction timeline for the Winchester Avenue Streetscape and Improvements project has been expedited, with the construction of mini-roundabouts set to begin in January, ahead of the initially scheduled start date in March/April. This decision is an effort to minimize disruptions to the downtown area and reduce overall impact on businesses. It’s anticipated this will shorten the overall construction time by at least a month.

Work on the mini-roundabouts at the 15^th and 16^th St. intersections and the demolition of sidewalks on both sides of Winchester Ave. from 15th to 16th Streets will happen concurrently. This will aim to optimize construction efficiency and allow for improvements on this block within a concentrated time frame.

Closures to vehicular traffic on Winchester Ave. from 14^th-17^th St. and side streets to the alleys will be necessary during the construction of the mini-roundabouts. Drivers will be informed and directed with signage to take alternate routes during this time.

Key highlights:

1. Timeline:
   1. Jan .2: Sidewalk demo from 15^th to 16^th begins
   2. Jan. 8: Road closures (see attached map) begin, construction of mini-roundabouts start
      8. Vehicles must be parked outside of the closure area by Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2:00 PM to ensure contractors can begin work on the mini-roundabouts on Jan. 8.
   3. Jan. 23: Roads reopen
2. Parking options: There will still be several options for free parking downtown during this time.
   1. City lot on 14^th & Winchester next to the Paramount
   2. City lot on 14^th & Winchester next to the Delta Hotel
   3. City garage on 17^th and Carter Ave., which will continue to be open and free during the month of January
   4. Side streets (past the alley), Carter Ave., and Greenup Ave. all remain options for parking
3. Delivery zones: During the roundabout construction, street closures and delivery zones will be temporarily unavailable and the delivery access will be shifted to an alternate street location as much as an additional block away from normal.
4. Support local business! We understand this will be a difficult and inconvenient time and want to stress that businesses will still be open. We’re hopeful our community will rally around our small business owners by still coming downtown during this construction and enjoying our wonderful local shops, restaurants and specialty stores.

As we are in the winter months, weather may impact this timeline and it is subject to change. However, the contractors working on this project are committed to exhausting all efforts on getting this portion done as quickly as possible. Once this portion is done, contractors will move to another block. We will be sure to provide those updates once we get closer to that time.

The City of Ashland and Visit AKY remain committed to communicate throughout the construction process and educate residents on the changes that are happening. Regular updates will be provided on the City of Ashland and Visit AKY Facebook pages, and their websites (www.ashlandky.gov and www.visitaky.com/winchester) to keep residents and business owners in the loop.

<a href="http://www.ashlandky.gov/news_detail_T70_R67.php">Your Link Name</a>