UC Right-Of-Way Acquisitions Part Of State’s Transportation Improvement Plan

Two Upper Cumberland right-of-way acquisitions are part of the state’s Transportation Improvement Plan released Thursday.

The two projects are the only major T-DOT projects planned across the region between 2023 and 2025, according to the plan. One of the projects will be in Clay County, where right-of-way acquisition is on the agenda in 2023 from Kyle Street to existing State Route-52, also known as the Celina Truck Route.

Putnam County’s right-of-way acquisition on North Willow Avenue from West Broad Street to West 12th is scheduled for 2025. This would be the next step in widening the stretch of highway north of Tennessee Tech.

“This 3-year program will continue to fund initiatives to maintain pavements and bridges, improve safety, address congestion through our HELP & Incident Management Programs, improve mobility for people and freight, and other programs to maintain a state of good repair on the state highway network,” Interim Commissioner for the Department of Transportation Joseph Galbato III said. “These investments are critical in providing a safe and reliable transportation system that supports economic growth and quality of life.”

Other Upper Cumberland projects include four Smith County in 2024. All four will be bridge work on Interstate 40. Project 1 includes bridges over Hogan Road, SR-264, Hickman Creek and Park Branch Road. Project 2 includes bridges over Bolling Branch and River Bend Farms Lane, and bridges over Caney Fork River. Projects 3 and 4 will also include bridges over Caney Fork River.