UPPER CUMBERLAND – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and several local governments have significant highway construction going on throughout the Upper Cumberland region that will drastically impact travelers. The following are the traffic advisories for construction throughout the Upper Cumberland for Dec. 18-23 listed by county and an estimated completion date.
In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, there will be no lane closures permitted on interstates or state routes beginning Noon on Wednesday, December 23 through Monday, January 4 at 6:00 am.
Interstate Construction
CUMBERLAND COUNTY I-40 Construction of a truck climbing lane EB near MM 339, including grading, drainage, and paving: Motorists should be aware of the new traffic pattern which includes a truck lane from MM 338 to 340 and should use caution at the MM 340 exit ramp. Temporary nighttime lane closures may be required for completion of punch list items. Traffic control devices, THP, and queue trucks will be used as necessary during lane closures.
Regional (Multi-county) Road Work
DEKALB AND WARREN COUNTY SR-56 Construction of bridges and paving from south of Warren-Dekalb County line to East Bryant St: The contractor will continue installing concrete box culverts and drainage structures. Grade work, bridge work, paving operations, and utility work on the new roadway alignment are ongoing. No change in traffic patterns, traffic is still using the existing SR-56, however, motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work. The contractor is working at the intersection of Williams Road and the new alignment. Traffic will be shifted onto a diversion to allow contractor to construct new alignment. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Motorists should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers and construction equipment.
FENTRESS AND OVERTON COUNTY SR-85 Emergency slide repairs at various locations: The contractor continues work on the Overton County side of SR-85 and the road remains closed from LM 17.5 to LM 22.2. This closure will remain in effect until approximately 05/28/21. The contractor is currently working to stabilize the roadway and is completing construction on the last scheduled roadway retaining wall. Motorists should continue using the signed detour route until the roadway is opened back up.
State Road Construction
CLAY COUNTY Repair of the bridges on SR-53 over Dry Fork Creek (LM 1.3) and Mill Creek (LM 2.5): The contractor will be on site continuing bridge repair work at Mill Creek Bridge located at LM 2.50. The contractor has installed a signal on Dry Fork Bridge located at LM 1.35 but is not scheduled to complete a lane closure until early January 2021. The southbound lane of SR 53 will be closed first during Phase 1 on both bridges; the northbound lane will be closed during Phase 2 on both bridges. Lane closures will be in effect until the contract completion on 06/30/21. Motorists are encouraged to use caution through the work zone and obey posted speed limit. RESTRICTIONS: Loads wider than 11′ should seek alternate route.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-101 (Peavine Road) Grading, drainage, and paving from Firetower Road to Westchester/Catoosa Boulevard: Motorists should use caution while driving along Peavine Road and be alert for changes in traffic patterns. The posted speed limit has been reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH within the work zone. Temporary lane closures and/or traffic stoppages may be needed as construction activities continue. Motorists should reduce speed on Peavine Road and be alert for construction personnel/equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
FENTRESS COUNTY Rockfall mitigation on SR-85 at (LM 3.80): The contractor will be on site continuing rock fall mitigation work at MM 3.8. SR 85 in Fentress County will be closed from Sandy RD at MM 2.19 to East Obey Lane at MM 5.67. This closure will remain until contract completion of 05/31/21. During this closure, a detour route will be in place to allow traffic to navigate around the road closure.
PUTNAM COUNTY Permitted Work on SR-24 (MONTEREY HWY.) northbound from LM 35.96 to LM 36.37: Shoulder and single lane closure between Bee Rock Road and West Bishop Avenue. Signage, flaggers, and barrels will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 8 AM and 4 PM beginning 11/30/20 through 01/29/21.