June 7, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
Heavy equipment is being moved in for road construction on US 70 (State Route 26) from Alexandria to Liberty.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use caution while driving along Highway 70 (SR-26) and to be alert for changes in traffic patterns. Temporary lane closures and/or traffic stoppages may be needed as construction signs are installed and erosion control and grading activities are in progress. Motorists should be alert for construction personnel/equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
TDOT has awarded a bid to Twin K. Contractors, Inc. for the reconstruction project at $30,875,122 which includes the grading, drainage, construction of retaining walls and paving on US 70 (State Route 26) from near State Route 53 at Alexandria to near State Route 96 at Liberty. The project is 4.1 miles long and the completion date is on or before June 30, 2024.
According to TDOT, the majority of the project will consist of the following:
5 – 12’ lanes (2 lanes each direction, continuous center turning lane) 12’ outside shoulders (10’ paved + 2’ stone) each side
1000’ of project (@ SR-53 intersection)
5 – 12’ lanes, 4’ paved shoulders, curb and gutter, sidewalk
2 retaining walls –
370’ long (avg 10’ tall)
100’ long (avg 7’ tall)
246,000 cubic yards of excavation
150,000 tons of base stone
88,000 tons of asphalt
8,300 ft of pipe
7 box culverts