September 30, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC has begun clearing trees and structures on Highway 56 south to be followed by utility relocations in preparation for road construction.
During construction, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is advising motorists to use caution and watch for construction equipment and personnel in the roadway.
Much of the clearing work currently being done is between Seven Springs Road in DeKalb County to the Green Hill Community in Warren County.
TDOT opened bids in June and Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC was the low bidder on the construction project at $43,691,948 which will be done in two phases from south of state highway 288 near Magness Road to East Bryant Street in Smithville and from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to near Magness Road in DeKalb County. A proposed third segment from near State Route 287 in Warren County to near the DeKalb County Line is not yet ready for bid letting.
The state plans to build largely two lanes of a proposed four lane project and maintain traffic on the existing Highway 56 (alignment) while construction is being done on the new portion.
The estimated completion date for the two phases is May 31, 2022.
Meanwhile, TDOT has announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is replacing a box culvert on State Route 141 as part of the Center Hill Dam restoration project. SR141 will be closed adjacent to Long Branch Campground from October 1 – 22. The road will be impassible during construction of the culvert and a detour route is posted.
One lane of State Route 96 is closed and traffic is controlled by a temporary signal due to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam restoration work. Motorists should exercise caution as they travel through the work zone. Estimated project completion date is June 2020.