News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The work to install traffic signals at the Interstate 40 and Highway 111 interchange will begin early next year.
Tennessee Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn said the contractor has ordered the signal poles for the project.
“We are expecting the contractor to get started in March and we’re thinking that the signal poles will come in April,” Flynn said. “He will get out there before the signal poles come in and start on the other aspects of the project.”
In addition to signalizing the interchange, Flynn said a separate right turn lane will be added to the Interstate 40 westbound off ramp.
“That will provide additional storage to the ramp and prevent the possibility of traffic backing up on I-40,” Flynn said. “They will be adding the extra lane while they are waiting for the poles.”
Flynn said Highway 111 will also be resurfaced within the interchange project limits.
TDOT awarded the $920,254 bid in August to Nashville-based Rogers Group. The project is expected to be completed on or before June, 15th 2019.
A number of accidents have occurred at the intersection over the years as drivers attempt to turn onto Highway 111 from the I-40 exit ramps. Officials hope the new signals will bring down the number of traffic crashes at the location.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation had delayed the project several times since first approving the signalization project in September of 2016.
