A $2.2 million safety project got underway on Highway 111 in Overton County Friday.
TDOT Community Relations Officer Jennifer Flynn said the project will make the State Route 293 intersection into a J-turn.
“When you come up to the intersection, instead of turning left to go left, you will turn right. And then get into the left lane and you will do a hook turn,” Flynn said. “And then you’ll be going in the opposite direction. It sounds weird but, people will get used to it once it is completed.”
Flynn said the contractors will mainly work in the median during the first phase of the project.
“Well right now they are putting the traffic control items up and it will close State Route 111 down to one lane in each direction,” Flynn said. “And also the speed limit will be reduced through the work zone from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour.”
Flynn said drivers should expect varied traffic in the area.
“So people just need to get kind of used to what is going on out there and that there will be a new traffic pattern for a while,” Flynn said. “And be aware of our contract crews out there doing the work for the citizens of Tennessee.”
TDOT expects a completion date in late October.