Mayor Randy Porter pointed out a common misconception that many of our primary roads in Putnam County are in fact state highways
By: Heather Thomas, UCBJ Associate Publisher
To those of us who live and work in The Upper Cumberland, transportation infrastructure is more than a system of roads, waterways and bridges—it’s a powerful engine for economic vitality, community connection and shared progress. Thanks to strong partnerships among Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), local governments and economic development leaders, the region is paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
Putnam County and the City of Cookeville held an informative event yesterday to discuss the statewide transportation infrastructure momentum and our regional collaboration driving local success. The keynote speakers were County Mayor Randy Porter, Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton and TDOT Region 2 Director, Daniel Oliver.
“Buckle Up to learn about the critical work related to transportation infrastructure and the strategic projects to improve our region,” commented Amy New, President of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Highlands Economic Partnership, as she welcomed a crowd of city, county, state and business leaders. She went on to emphasize the importance of collaboration for regional progress: “Our success is built on partnerships. TDOT and our elected officials, city, county and state work together with a shared vision of connectivity and growth.”
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter pointed out a common misconception that many of our primary roads in Putnam County are in fact state highways maintained by TDOT—not local municipalities.
“Just because a road lies within a city or county doesn’t mean it falls under the local jurisdiction,” Porter said. He pointed out that Putnam County can manage its own paving needs due to a full-time crew led by Road Supervisor Randy Jones. “Most of our county roads that are not U.S. or State Highways are maintained locally, but large-scale planning, construction and infrastructure improvements require true collaboration with state agencies,” he added.
10 year plan
To enhance this cooperation and make planning decisions and request, the region formed a Transportation Committee in 2018—bringing together city, county, and regional leaders to prioritize and advocate for key projects. One such priority is creating additional lanes of Interstate 40 on the mountainous sections on both sides of Putnam County. Thankfully, this long-standing safety concern is in the TDOT project pipeline. Both Porter and Oliver addressed safety-focused plans that include the mountain stretches of Baxter and Monterey sides of I-40 in Putnam County.
If you would like to make a request or report about a state road, call TDOT at 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349). For City of Cookeville road concerns (e.g., sidewalk repairs, potholes, debris), visit: cookeville-tn.gov/RequestTracker.aspx
Mayor Laurin Wheaton went over several major transportation future projects and highlighted the additional parking that will support local businesses downtown. She noted the widening of the 10th Street Phase 2 Project in Cookeville. The more than $7 million investment is currently five months ahead of schedule and under budget. This project aims to improve traffic flow on a corridor that previously had a failing performance rating.
TDOT Region 2 Director Daniel Oliver went over several projects that will provide better access to I-40 and gave additional updates on the TDOT South Jefferson Avenue (SR-136) Widening. The Jefferson project is expanding a 2.3-mile stretch from two to five lanes with added shoulders and a center turn lane to support growth and traffic efficiency. This project is expected to be completed before next spring after delays and issues. Oliver also discussed current and future projects concerning Bridge Rehabilitation and Surface Upgrades: “We have ongoing bridge maintenance and resurfacing along I-40 and other local state highways are helping to ensure safety and long-term durability”. These initiatives represent not only strategic investments but also the product of strong coordination between city officials, the county and TDOT’s leadership. Strategic investments in walkability and traffic flow continue to shape the region.
The passage of the Transportation Modernization Act unlocked $3 billion in statewide funding, reinforcing Tennessee’s fiscally responsible 10-year infrastructure plan. New sustainable revenue streams from fuel taxes, tags and tire fees support crucial state infrastructure and safety efforts. Future priorities include bridge replacements, creation of rural service patrols, and industrial access roads. These transportation enhancements are all designed to support job creation and improve safety. The Transportation speakers all summarized a regional mindset of “teamwork and trust.”
The Intersection of Transportation & Growth Presentation will be available from the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce next week for your full viewing.
For a detailed list of transportation projects: www.tn.gov/tdot/pm/programs.html.
Photo via Freepik.
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