News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville’s South Jefferson Avenue widening project stands at least one-year behind the original timeline set for the project.
The project was originally scheduled for completion in September, 2024. T-DOT Regional Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley said the contractor had requested a 146-day extension back in 2022. Now, the work is some eight months behind that completion date.
“Some current work going on out there includes the construction of a triple barrel box bridge that’s located on Pritchard Pass Road, installation of underdrains, curb and gutter, concrete ramps, things like that,” Bradley said.
Bradley said utility material delays have accounted for the majority of the issues. Contractors have brought in additional crews and personnel to mitigate the setbacks. She said gas and electric utility relocation is done and water and sewer relocation is 80 percent complete.
Bradley said drivers can expect to continue encountering flagging operations and congestion traffic as the project moves into the spring and summer.
“Rest assured, the contractor’s doing everything they can to minimize those traffic delays to drivers,” Bradley said.
She said contractors have moved and reinstalled an impressive 100,000 cubic yards of earthwork thus far. Bradley said telephone and internet utilities are tentatively scheduled to be finished late this summer.
“There will be two lanes in each direction with a dedicated center turning lane,” Bradley said. “So, once this project is complete, the routes will also feature a totally new storm drainage network, new overhead lighting, sidewalks, new traffic signals, etcetera. So, this section of road is getting a complete overhaul of improvements.”
She said the project spans just over two miles between Highway 111 and I-40.
