I-40, Hwy 111 traffic signals coming soon

By Michelle Price
UCBJ Managing Editor

COOKEVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is making much anticipated safety improvements at the I-40/Hwy 111 interchange later this year.

Bids will be opened Aug. 17 on a contract that includes the installation of signals on S.R. 111 at the I-40 east and westbound ramps in Cookeville, including necessary grading, drainage and paving. This location has been the scene of several bad wrecks throughout the years, prompting local officials to push for signalization.

Putnam County Executive Randy Porter and Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton have championed this project for years. They prompted TDOT to conduct a safety study which confirmed the need for signalization.

“We are very thankful that TDOT is moving forward with the signalization of the I-40
and Hwy. 111 intersection,” Porter said. “We have been concerned about this intersection for
some time with the many accidents and large increase of traffic in that area. Hopefully the new signals will help alleviate a lot of the problems.”

The contract should be awarded by late September with construction to begin in October.  The estimated completion date is April 30, 2019.

No local funds will be required for this project; however, the signals will become property of Putnam County upon completion.

Michelle Price is the former managing editor of the Upper Cumberland Business Journal and can be reached via email. Send an email.

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