Versailles, Kentucky – The city is moving forward with a $100,000+ infrastructure project that will create a 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use path along Beasley Drive, providing a safer, more direct route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and students traveling to the Falling Springs Recreation Center.
Project details and timeline
Mayor Laura Dake explained that the new path will branch off an existing walking trail and run up Beasley Drive to the intersection of Falling Springs Boulevard, Beasley Drive, and Tyrone Pike. The city is coordinating with Woodford County, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and R.J. Corman to construct the spur.
Funding has already been secured for a new crosswalk on the opposite side of Tyrone Pike, and a sidewalk will be added in front of the senior center. That sidewalk will loop around and connect with the existing sidewalk that serves the recreation center, creating a continuous, protected corridor for foot traffic.
Construction schedule
Asphalt work is slated to begin within the next few weeks. Mayor Dake said most of the work should be completed within 30 days, with the entire project wrapping up in the next few months. “We’re going to be able to get it done by the end of the year,” she said.
Community impact
The path is intended to reduce the current practice of pedestrians walking on the grass alongside the road, a safety concern that has been raised by local residents. By providing a dedicated, well‑lit route, the city hopes to encourage more walking and cycling, promote healthier lifestyles, and improve accessibility for seniors and schoolchildren.
Local leaders emphasized that the project aligns with broader goals of improving connectivity and accessibility throughout Woodford County. “It’s just a way to connect people because right now what we see are people walking up the road to get there, walking on the grass,” Dake said.
Funding and partnerships
The project’s cost exceeds $100,000, with financing coming from a combination of city, county, and state sources. Partnerships with R.J. Corman, a regional rail and logistics company, are helping to streamline construction and ensure the path meets local standards.
Mayor Dake expressed confidence that the collaborative effort will deliver a high‑quality, durable pathway that serves the community for years to come.
Next steps
Residents can expect signage and temporary traffic adjustments during construction. The city will provide updates through its website and social media channels as milestones are reached.
When completed, the Beasley Drive multi‑use path will join other recent improvements in Versailles, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safe, family‑friendly infrastructure that supports active transportation and community cohesion.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
