East and Middle Tennessee motorists should brace for a plethora of roadway disruptions this coming week as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) embarks on significant construction and maintenance projects across multiple counties. The works range from bridge constructions and pedestrian improvements to utility work and rockfall mitigation, set to impact daily commutes and travel plans.
Among the notable disruptions, Cumberland County faces a flurry of activities, with SR-28 (US-127) bridge construction and paving dominating the scene from north of I-40 to near Potato Farm Road. In addition to grading activities, this project necessitates temporary lane closures and traffic stoppages. Compounding the inconvenience, TDOT cautions drivers to prepare for a detour, as North Grace Hill Drive shuts down for the construction's duration.
Utility work also speckles the landscape, notably along SR-1 (US-70 E.) and SR-24 (US-70 N.), where intermittent stoppages, shoulder, and lane closures come into effect. Drivers will have to navigate around its closure via a detoured route across Northside Drive. Asphalt paving along SR-1 is likely to cause slight delays with lane closures and flagger commands guiding the fray.
Downtown pedestrian improvements may pose a silver lining to some local businesses. Yet, the works along SR-28 (Main Street) may test the patience of many as it entails the removal and replacement of sidewalks and curb ramps, leading to shoulder parking restrictions and potential lane shifts.
Outside of Cumberland, DeKalb County confronts slide repairs on SR-141 and a full road closure near the Smith - Dekalb County line. Jackson County echoes this disruption with SR-135's rockfall mitigation work necessitating a significant detour. Not far behind, the maintenance work within Fentress County includes a World War I Centennial Bridge inspection over the Wolf River, possibly interrupting northbound traffic on July 29. Elsewhere, long-term grading projects continue unabated in Putnam County along SR-136, not to mention nighttime milling and paving on I-40 that may give late commuters a respite from daytime slowdowns.
