To: Lowell Russell
Cc: T.J. Sutton
Subject: update

Representative Russell:

From the Region:

Thank you for contacting the Department on behalf of your constituents regarding the construction project that includes improvements to the intersection of State Route 73 (US 321) and State Route 2 (US11) and the widening of State Route 73 for 1.3 miles. This project has a completion date of August 4, 2019; however, due to a water line and traffic signal conflict, a change order is currently being negotiated between TDOT and the contractor that would extend the completion date to September 16, 2019. 

While significant progress has been made to date on this project, progress at the intersection is currently halted due to utility issues. Grading, drainage relocation, and paving operations are limited until these utility issues are resolved. The Department estimates that the right turn lane onto State Route 2 (eastbound) will be reopened by June 28, 2019, which will greatly reduce the wait time at the intersection.

Work has continued on the widening section of State Route 73. The concrete islands are being constructed with the paving of the turn lanes associated. Undocumented drainage has been encountered and camera mapping has been completed. TDOT's Design Office will be given the actual existing drainage system to evaluate current design. The film is being analyzed and documented.

Should you have further questions or comments regarding this project, please contact District 19 Operations Manager, Mr. Todd Sexton, at (865)717-1521 or at Todd.Sexton@tn.gov. 

Thanks,

Doug Gunnels | Executive Administrative Assistant