LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Update: August 5 at 4:30 p.m.
After Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Monday that Kentucky American Water declined to hold a public meeting regarding ongoing an water line replacement on Fontaine Road, the water company released a statement.
"Kentucky American Water started important water main replacement work on Fontaine Road in Lexington in the summer of 2025 and has done so with oversight by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and in accordance with LFUCG’s permit requirements ever since, as with all of our projects in Fayette County’s roadways. This important and comprehensive project was always intended to be completed in 2026.
We understand and appreciate concerns regarding the length of time these complex types of construction projects take when they are conducted in densely populated urban areas and on busy streets, especially in neighborhoods, and have sought solutions with LFUCG throughout the project to help quicken the pace.
In addition to other discussions we have had with multiple LFUCG departments and offices, we did request an expansion of the working hours permitted for the Fontaine Road project. Instead, we have been required to work on the job site within a six-hour daily window. Only during these defined hours may our crews be present on the job site, mobilize equipment, perform work and demobilize equipment, the result of which reduces time allotted to advance the project.
This contrasts with LFUCG’s approach to its own utility work, which is often granted more flexible hours as well as the option to close roadways, the latter of which is particularly beneficial to quickening a project’s pace.
Before the project began, we participated in a neighborhood association meeting and provided project information to property owners along the pipeline route, including the names and cell phone numbers of project supervisors. Since that time, we have also remained in regular contact with the area’s council member’s office -- who has been a true partner in working with us to field and answer customer questions and concerns -- and have communicated with other key contacts and customers, as well. We have also appreciated the compliments our crews have received from various customers.
Unfortunately, the project’s original contractor vacated the project due to internal issues. This did create a brief delay, but we quickly responded by deploying another qualified contractor to finish the job. There are also times when weather as well as LFUCG’s processes delay construction progress. Regarding the mayor’s claim regarding removing contractors from the Fontaine project, we have not removed any contractor from Fontaine for work in other areas.
Investment in aging sections of water system infrastructure is critical to maintain the quality, reliable, affordable service Kentucky American Water is known for. We remain hopeful that our future discussions with LFUCG will be more productive in helping us do this important work as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, while always keeping the safety of our team, our contractors and the community at the forefront."
Original Story:
Mayor Linda Gorton says Kentucky American Water has declined her request to hold a public meeting for residents affected by the ongoing Fontaine Road water line replacement project, a project that has faced repeated delays and growing concerns from nearby neighbors.
According to Gorton, she personally contacted Kentucky American Water leadership seeking a face-to-face forum where residents could ask questions and receive updates about the project. Instead, the utility informed the city it plans to share information through door hangers or notes distributed to households directly impacted by the work, a news release read.
“That does not give neighbors an opportunity to ask questions,” Gorton said in a statement.
The Fontaine Road project was originally expected to be completed during the summer or fall of 2025. However, work has continued well beyond that timeline. A subcontractor working on behalf of Kentucky American recently requested longer construction hours, asking the city to allow crews to work from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., peak traffic time for that road, according to the city news release.
So far, Lexington officials have not approved the request, city officials detailed.
Gorton said city leaders have made clear that any consideration of extended work hours would require Kentucky American to hold a public meeting and provide a firm completion date for the project.
While the company reportedly stated that construction could be finished by the end of September, the city says it has not received a definitive end date, detailed staffing information, or a comprehensive work plan.
Delays and Damage Reports Raise Concerns
City officials cited several factors that have reportedly contributed to project delays. According to the mayor, one contractor hired for the work allegedly went bankrupt, slowing progress. Additional delays occurred when Kentucky American reassigned subcontractor crews from Lexington to address issues in Owenton.
Questions surrounding the project intensified last week after Kentucky American acknowledged, in response to posts on social media, that work on the water line replacement project damaged some private sewer lines, according to officials.
Similar water line projects on North Limestone and High Street have also caused disruptions and concerns this summer.
