T-DOT has placed four Upper Cumberland projects on its construction plans for 2019-2021, including the Jefferson Avenue widening project.
Transportation Commissioner John Schroer released TDOT’s annual three year transportation program Thursday. it includes some $2.6 billion in upgrades statewide.
That plan includes budgeting to begin construction on the Jefferson Avenue widening in 2020. The 2.2 mile widening will increase the number of lanes between I-40 and Highway 111. Right of way acquisition has already begun.
Improvements to US-127 in both Cumberland and Fentress Counties were also included. A total of 4.9 miles of work scheduled for 2019 between I-40 and Potato Farm Road. The second phase of improvements would begin in 2020, with a 3.2 mile improvement between Lowe Avenue in Cumberland County and Little Road in Fentress County.
T-DOT has also scheduled the implementation of the Smart Ways Transportation system between Cookeville and Crossville. The 48-mile project would begin in 2020. The Smart-Ways system includes communication systems and cameras.
In addition, T-DOT continues its work to upgrade bridges in the state. The Wilder Road Bridge in Fentress County has been included in the state’s 2019 plan.