September 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The Tennessee Department of Transportation advises motorists to be vigilant as construction work continues on Highway 56 from Smithville to the Warren County line.
Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC continues to install concrete box culverts and drainage structures, with ongoing bridge, grade, and utility work on the new roadway alignment. There has been no change in traffic patterns. Traffic is still using the existing highway. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to the roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across the roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work. A portion of County House Road is closed to allow the contractor to complete work in that area. Motorists should follow posted signs for County House Road detour until work is complete. The contractor is also working at the intersection of South Tittsworth Road and the new alignment. Traffic will be shifted onto a diversion to allow the contractor to construct the new alignment. Motorists should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers.
TDOT opened bids last June and Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC was the low bidder on the construction project at $43,691,948 which is being 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 is building largely two lanes of a proposed four lane project and maintaining traffic on the existing Highway 56 (alignment) while construction is done on the new portion.
The estimated completion date for the two phases is May 31, 2022.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 4 until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the Labor Day holiday.
“The Labor Day holiday is typically a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “We want to ensure that travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”
While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
The “Hands Free Tennessee” law, which requires drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road, includes a $200 fine if the violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.