Traffic changes coming to Cooper Drive, impact expected through May 2027
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2026) — Contractors are scheduled to begin utility work along the north side of Cooper Drive as early as Monday, Sept. 21. Construction fencing will be installed in the area, closing the existing sidewalk and bike lane along Cooper Drive from University Drive to the entrance of the Garrigus Lot.
UK Transportation Services’ staff is working with the City of Lexington and project contractors to install water-filled jersey barriers in this area to create a temporary sidewalk and bike lane.
Pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders
Because the existing sidewalk and bike lane are heavily used by employees, students and UK Athletics fans, maintaining a temporary sidewalk and bike lane is essential. Cyclists and e-scooter riders will be required to dismount and walk their devices while using the temporary pathway.
Traffic impacts
Motorists traveling westbound on Cooper Drive will also be affected. The northernmost lane of Cooper Drive, prior to the intersection with University Drive, will become right-turn only.
- The center lane will continue straight through toward Limestone.
- The southernmost left turn lane will remain unaffected.
This temporary pathway is expected to be in use through May 2027.
If you have questions, please email UK Transportation Services or call 859-257-5757. For parking, traffic, and transit updates, sign up for notices and follow us on X @UKParking and on Instagram.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.