News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
T-DOT is taking public comments for an upcoming improvement project to the welcome center on I-40 at the Putnam/Smith County line.
Region 3 Communications Officer Erin Zeigler said T-DOT plans to upgrade the center’s entrance and exit ramps, add about 125 semi-truck parking spaces, and replace the twin bridges over the Caney Fork River. Zeigler said they will be lengthening the center’s ramps to make it safer when people arrive or leave.
“When they were built years and years ago they were great for that time,” Zeigler said. “But now we’ve got lots more cars, cars are going a lot faster. So we’re giving people more time to merge as they’re getting back on the interstate.”
Zeigler said the project came about through a federal grant meant to improve freight travel across the country. Zeigler said people are invited to share their thoughts and suggestions on the project before the comment period closes on Saturday.
“Even after that comment period is over we will still take comments and suggestions,” Zeigler said. “They’ll be reviewed and incorporated into the plan if it’s appropriate.”
Zeigler said they want people to weigh in because these are heavily used roads that people in the community will have to see on a regular basis.
“We think this is a really great show off for Tennessee and both of these counties to have these upgrades facilities,” Zeigler said.
Zeigler said there is a shortage of semi-truck parking across the nation that these spots will help remedy for the local area.
“Eighty percent of truckers actually spend thirty minutes or more trying to find official, safe parking,” Zeigler said. “And when they don’t that’s when you see them on the shoulders, that’s when you see them on the exit ramps, and that’s dangerous. It’s dangerous for them and it’s dangerous for the motoring public. So this gives them a safe space to go and get off the roadway, rest, and then keep on trucking.”
Zeigler said construction is not set to begin on the project until the 2027 fiscal year.
