Fairview Drive expansion project set to begin on April 14
Safety and Faster Traffic Flow the Focus of Lexington’s New Road Project
The City of Lexington is set to begin construction on the Fairview Drive expansion project on April 14, 2025. According to the City, the project's goal is to improve traffic congestion and enhance safety in a busy commercial area filled with restaurants, retail stores, and businesses. With Lexington experiencing rapid growth in both housing and business development, city officials are actively working to improve road infrastructure for residents and visitors alike.
Background and Project Scope
In September 2024, the City of Lexington entered into development agreements with High Cotton Ventures, LLC and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for corridor improvements along NC-8, also known as Cotton Grove Road. The project includes upgrades to Fairview Drive and Plaza Parkway, all aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
The project is expected to take six months to complete and will include:
Widening Cotton Grove Road to support the development of a new Sheetz location.
Constructing a service road to provide access to Sheetz and Zaxby’s at the intersection of Cotton Grove Road and Fairview Drive.
Expanding Fairview Drive at its intersection with Cotton Grove Road to add a second dedicated left-turn lane.
Adding an additional left-turn lane on Plaza Parkway.
Installing a divided median on Cotton Grove Road between Fairview Drive and Plaza Parkway to enhance traffic safety.
New Sheetz Development and Traffic Impact
A key component of the project is the construction of a new Sheetz along Cotton Grove Road. According to the City of Lexington, the road will be widened to accommodate increased traffic flow, and a new service road will be built to provide access to both Sheetz and the existing Zaxby’s.
This service road will significantly enhance safety for Zaxby’s patrons. Currently, making a left turn onto Cotton Grove Road from Zaxby’s poses a high risk of accidents. The new service road will feature a traffic light, allowing vehicles to exit safely. Furthermore, a concrete median will be installed in front of Zaxby’s, eliminating the ability to make dangerous left turns across Cotton Grove Road. Patrons will still be able to turn right when exiting the restaurant.
“The median on Cotton Grove will reduce accidents and eliminate the possibility of head-on collisions for cars turning left across traffic. The addition of the new turn lanes will also expedite traffic flow, especially along Plaza Parkway,” said Mike Horney, Public Services Director.
Improvements to Plaza Parkway
According to the City of Lexington, Plaza Parkway, home to popular businesses such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Belk, often experiences heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours. As part of the project, an additional left-turn lane will be added to Fairview Drive to help ease traffic flow. A new right-turn lane will also be constructed to facilitate smoother access to Cotton Grove Road.
With the expected popularity of the new Sheetz and the ongoing high demand at Parkway Plaza, city officials anticipate these improvements will greatly enhance both safety and convenience for local drivers.
“I am very excited about the safety aspects of this project,” added Horney. “We ask for everyone’s patience, but when complete, it will make this area an even better place to travel.”
Looking Ahead
According to the City of Lexington, as the city continues to grow, infrastructure projects like the Fairview Drive expansion are essential to maintaining safe and efficient roadways. While temporary disruptions to traffic are expected during the six-month construction period, officials are confident that the long-term benefits will outweigh any short-term inconveniences.
The Fairview Drive expansion project represents an investment in the city’s future, ensuring that Lexington remains a safe and accessible place for both residents and businesses. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on construction progress and any traffic advisories issued by the city.
