Keeneland Association in Lexington announced March 23 a comprehensive traffic plan for the April 2-23 spring meet. The announcement coincided with the track being presented a "Certificate of Merit for Public-Private Partnership" from Mayor Jim Newberry for "continuous efforts to improve traffic flow and conditions."
"Our sole goal is to maximize the experience our fans have when they come to Keeneland," Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said. "Traffic into and out of the facility is an important part of that process. Traffic is a continuous issue. We’re always looking for ways to make the process better. This year is no exception as we’ve added features and capabilities that we believe will make the experience more convenient and enjoyable for all concerned."
Here are details of the traffic plan:
For Incoming Traffic
--Keeneland is adding increased capacity in preferred parking lots.
--Additional Valet Parking for the general public is being added so more patrons can utilize that service.
--Shuttle service is being increased for patrons wishing to park in the lots adjacent to Rice Road and incoming traffic from Gate 1, directly across from Man O’ War Boulevard.
--A road system has been built on the hillside so cars can be parked from two directions.
--Additional personnel will be employed throughout the property to direct traffic and park customers. Electronic signs also will be in place on Versailles Road to guide drivers.
For Outgoing Traffic
--An additional turn lane going out of Gate 1 onto to Versailles Road is being created for traffic going out of town after each race day.
--All four lanes of traffic at Gate 2 off of Versailles Road will be one-way for incoming traffic at the beginning of each day and one-way for all outgoing traffic at the end of each race day.
--Prior to the October 2009 meet, Keeneland removed the median from a large segment of the road, which connects Gate 1 at the intersection of Man o’ War Boulevard with the track’s numerous parking lots. This modification allows as many as five lanes of traffic to exit through Gate 1.