Baxter, State Officials to Discuss Corridor Study Oct. 31

Baxter and Tennessee officials will meet Oct. 31 to discuss the city’s corridor study between I-40 and Highway 70.

Mayor John Martin said the meeting will address several concerns involving infrastructure in that area.

“The problems… could be from bridge problems, turning lanes, signal issues, to traffic issues,” Martin said. “It’s really going to be a big meeting and we’re really looking forward to that.”

Baxter’s Board of Aldermen and Mayor approved a motion Thursday to match 10 percent of the state’s $56,000 grant towards the study.

“I know our water department, street department, engineers, TDOT’s going to be there, everyone’s going to be at this meeting,” Martin said. “It’s really going to be a constructive meeting, and it’s going to be arrant of what our needs are going to be to eliminate a lot of traffic situations.”

Several needs were identified by the Putnam County Transportation Committee along Highway 56 between I-40 and Highway 70 over the summer during a recent survey. The needs included a turn lane on 56 going onto the interstate, as well as a traffic light at the 56 and 70 intersection which has already received funding.