Cookeville officials discussed authorizing the City Manager to acquire land rights for a new east-west connector street linking South Willow and South Jefferson Avenue, during Monday’s work session.
The street would be located south of I-40. Cookeville City Manager James Mills presented a resolution allowing for land acquisition through donation, negotiation, or eminent domain. Mills said the project has been part of the major street plan for decades but recent development has made the need for the road dire.
“What we’re looking at constructing is a potential, a minimum of three lanes, sidewalks on one side, underground utilities, stormwater, street lighting,” Mills said. “But to do these improvements, we have to acquire right-of-way and we’ll also have to have easements.”
City staff has worked with Clinton Engineering to identify potential locations for the new street. Mills said they are not prepared to announce the specific location yet as evaluations continue.
“I believe we’re getting close to deciding where this path will be and to begin discussions with property owners regarding acquisition of the right-of-way,” Mills said. “So this resolution authorizes me to acquire property rights and easements by donation, negotiation, or eminent domain, if necessary.”
The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the area south of the interstate. Mills said the city hopes to begin the project within the next year or so.
“We may be still several months away from that, but I think we’re close to where we can start negotiating with property owners,” Mills said. “And this will be, in my opinion, a game-changer type street for our community.”
Mills said the city has been exploring a possible route for the thoroughfare for more than a year. He said the administration receives comments frequently regarding planning and congestion issues.
“We believe the Interstate Drive widening is going to happen here in a few months, which I think is going to really make a difference there,” Mills said. “And then the east-west route, fingers crossed, we’re starting that in the next year or so and again, that’s a game-changer.”
The resolution requests approval to move forward with the necessary land acquisitions.