Sparta Accepts TDOT Light It Rejected In March

TDOT will build a new traffic light in Sparta that officials originally didn’t want.

The light at the intersection of Bockman Way and Highway 111 will be paid for by TDOT. The city won’t have to pay and won’t have to assume liability for any accidents at the intersection if they refuse, City Manager Chris Dorsey said.

“It’s a special pot of money this light was going to be financed out of, federal safety grant money, which can be used because of the number of accidents at that intersection even though most of the accidents were rear-enders, people taking the ramp to the right, looking back and forgetting to look forward again,” Dorsey said.

City Manager Chris Dorsey said miscommunication between the city and TDOT caused the delay. He said TDOT officials assured him and Mayor Jeff Young the lights would be timed to allow the smooth flow of traffic.

The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the light last week. The same board rejected the same proposal in March.