T-DOT’s Jefferson Avenue expansion project scheduled for completion in November.
Regional Communications Officer Rae-Anne Bradley said the contractor recently finished installing the final box culvert on the south end of the project near Pigeon Roost Creek Road and Highway 111. Once complete, Bradley said the new, five-lane roadway will be a significant upgrade to the current configuration.
“It’s going to make a huge difference,” Bradley said. “That’s a major thoroughfare through that area. There’s businesses, there’s schools, you know, that’s a really vital corridor in Cookeville and Putnam County. And so I think it’s going to be a game-changer.”
Bradley said the contractor will continue placing the final surface mix from the south end of the project up to Williams Enterprise Drive through the middle of July. Bradley said the focus will then shift to the Bunker Hill Road intersection to build a concrete median island and relocate a traffic signal pole.
“We really appreciate the public’s patience as they’ve worked with us through, you know, side road closures, lane closures on Jefferson Avenue,” Bradley said. “We know that the work that we have had to do in this area has been impactful.”
Bradley said the department expects the paving and intersection work to be finished by late July or early August. Bradley said the final phase of the project involves installing new signal poles and equipment at Henley Drive that have already been ordered.
Bradley said the department plans to reopen Pigeon Roost Creek Road around the middle of July once the final layer of asphalt is down. Bradley said motorists should still expect periodic lane closures and intermittent traffic impacts daily to support the remaining work.
“Several of us, you know, live and work in that area, so it impacts a lot of folks that work at T-DOT firsthand,” Bradley said. “And so, you know, we really appreciate folks being understanding and patient as we work to facilitate these improvements as quickly and safely as possible.”
Bradley said the project includes upgrades to drainage systems, street lights, and signal technology to improve overall road safety. Bradley said the department works closely with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to manage environmental impacts and permitting for the project.
“It’s going to be a significant improvement for congestion in the area,” Bradley said. “It’s going to be safer, and really those are the two most important things.”
Bradley said drivers should use the SmartWay website or GPS estimates to plan for potential delays during the final stages of construction.