News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Clearing operations begin Tuesday for the Highway 56 widening project in Dekalb County.
TDOT Community Relations Officer Jennifer Flynn said the work will have a minimal impact on traffic.
“Just be aware that there is going to be construction vehicles out there,” Flynn said. “It’s going to be great once it’s completes. We’re are really happy that we’ve finally started this project. It’s been talked about for a very long time.”
Five miles of Highway 56 will be widened from South of State Highway 288 near Magness Road to East Bryant Street in Smithville. Crews plan to widen another 3.3 miles from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to near Magness Road in DeKalb County.
Flynn said actual construction won’t begin until the completion of clearing operations and utility relocation.
“A lot of times when these widening projects get started, people think we are not working,” Flynn said. “If people think that there’s nothing going on it’s highly likely that the utilities are being relocated.”
TDOT has scheduled a May 31, 2022 completion date for the $43.7 million project.
