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Gov. Steve Beshear joined Congressman Ben Chandler and Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry Wednesday morning in officially opening Oliver Lewis Way, the first constructed phase of the long-awaited Newtown Pike Extension.

The new street, named for the African-American jockey who rode Aristides to victory in the first Kentucky Derby, runs between Newtown Pike’s intersections with Main Street and Versailles Road at the edge of downtown Lexington.

The opening of Oliver Lewis Way comes as Kentucky prepares to welcome thousands of international visitors to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which begin September 25 at the Kentucky Horse Park. When fully completed, the new roadway will extend to the University of Kentucky campus.

“This project is creating a truly signature gateway to Lexington – not only for the World Equestrian Games but for generations to come,” Beshear said.

“The Newtown Pike project has been a top transportation priority for me,” said Chandler. “It is so gratifying that we were able to secure federal funds not only to create jobs during the construction, but also because this project is critical to the development of downtown Lexington. The Newtown Pike extension will economically benefit Lexington and central Kentucky for years to come, and provide a much-needed gateway to the University of Kentucky.”

“This new road, with a new name, Oliver Lewis Way, is going to have an enormous impact on our downtown and serve as a new gateway to south Lexington and the University of Kentucky,” said Newberry. “The road has been years in the planning, but now, thanks to assistance from Governor Beshear and Congressman Chandler, the first phase is open in time to greet our visitors for the World Equestrian Games.”

Beshear said it was fitting that a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Wednesday took place on a new bridge. “The function of a bridge is to overcome an obstacle in order to make a connection,” Gov. Beshear said. “The Newtown Pike Extension, being a major urban transportation project, has had its share of obstacles. But through patience and unwavering commitment, those obstacles are being overcome, and UK and downtown Lexington will be connected like never before.”

Construction of the new section of Oliver Lewis Way began in August 2009 and cost $12.4 million. Included in the total is the cost of conduit with which utility lines will later be placed underground. The new roadway will reduce traffic congestion in downtown Lexington, making for safer, smoother traffic flow.