February 9, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
While one major highway construction project in DeKalb County is well underway, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is preparing to launch another one.
Barring a delay, the State Route (SR-26/US-70/Nashville Highway (4.1-mile reconstruction project that goes from near SR-53 at Alexandria to near SR‑96 Liberty) is tentatively scheduled for contract letting (bids opened) sometime in the first quarter of 2021. This project was identified by TDOT as part of the IMPROVE ACT adopted by the state legislature in 2017. Original plans were to extend the construction to the Wilson County line.
TDOT’s next scheduled bid letting is March 26th but its not known yet if this project will be included.
In last week’s bid openings (February 5), TDOT announced only one DeKalb County project. The resurfacing (microsurfacing) on State Route 56 north of East Church Street in Smithville to I-40 in Putnam County. There were five bidders and Asphalt Paving Systems, INC had the lowest bid at $830,474. TDOT has not yet awarded the bid.
Meanwhile motorists are urged to use caution while traveling the construction zone of Highway 56 between Smithville and the Warren County line, especially in the City of Smithville where a lot of activity is taking place.
In its weekly update on highway projects, TDOT reports that the contractor, Jones Brothers, is continuing to install concrete box culverts and drainage structures. Grade work, bridge work, paving operations, and utility work on the new roadway alignment are ongoing. Traffic is still using the existing SR-56; however, motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to the roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work.
The contractor has started grade work inside Smithville City Limits between Dearman Street and East Bryant Street. Traffic shift in this area will remain to allow the contractor to complete work. A diversion remains in place for Williams Road to allow the contractor to construct the new alignment. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Motorists should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers and construction equipment.
The project was let to contract on June 21, 2019 to Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC at a bid price of $43,691,948. The estimated completion date is May, 2022.
State Route 56
DeKalb and Warren Counties
Overview
The planned improvements for State Route 56, from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to East Bryant Street in Smithville, consist of realignment and reconstruction of the existing roadway for approximately 8.3 miles.
Purpose and Need
The existing SR 56 corridor, between the Warren-DeKalb County line and East Bryant Street, is a two- to three-lane rural arterial route. The planned improvements are designed to improve the safety and operation of the roadway by correcting route deficiencies, including sight distance, shoulder widths, and drainage issues.
Design
Due to the size of the project, improvements to SR 56 have been divided into two smaller sections or phases.
• from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to near Magness Road – 3.33 miles
• from south of SR 288 near Magness Road to East Bryant Street – 4.92 miles
The majority of the project is on new alignment. The new road will be built adjacent to the existing road, with several sections crossing over or tying into the existing the route.
The new roadway will consist of two to three travel lanes, depending on location, with 10-foot paved shoulders. The design will also accommodate left turn movements to access connecting streets.
From south of the Warren County line to College Street in Smithville will be two lanes (one lane in each direction) with left turn lanes at connector roads. From College Street to the New Life Connection Center (750 S Congress Blvd) will be three lanes (one lane in each direction) with a dedicated center turn lane.
From the New Life Connection Center to East Bryant Street will be five lanes (two lanes in each direction) with a dedicated center turn lane.
A new signal will be installed at the East Bryant Street intersection. Other intersections along the corridor will be adjusted to safely connect with the new alignment including Arnold Road (Gene Vaughn Road), Sink Creek Road, Magness Road, SR 288 (Keltonburg Road), County House Road, Jacobs Pillar Road, South Tittsworth Road, and South College Street.
In addition to realignment, the planned design will replace eight box culverts and construct two new bridges over Sink Creek and Pine Creek. Upon completion of the new bridges, the existing Sink Creek Bridge will be demolished, and the existing Pine Creek Bridge will be turned over to DeKalb County.
Additional safety improvements include new guardrail, paint, and markers.