Residents and motorists in Mt. Juliet are being rerouted this weekend as the city embarks on a significant repair of a troublesome railroad crossing on North Mt. Juliet Road. The closure is set to begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, and will last until Monday, July 14, to address long-standing complaints from drivers facing rough impacts that could lead to vehicle damage.
WKRN reported, "It's almost like you're kind of hitting a pothole," according to Stone Fair, owner of Blended Nutrition on North Mt. Juliet Road, who has observed customers bracing for the jarring encounter with the tracks daily. Justin Beasley, Mt. Juliet’s communications director, echoed the sentiment of local business owners and residents, expressing hopes that the repair work will bring an end to the dodging and bracing currently required to navigate the area.
Detours are being established to minimize disruption. According to the WSMV, northbound traffic should take E. Division St to Industrial Dr back to Mt. Juliet Rd. Southbound traffic will follow Industrial Dr to E. Division St to Mt. Juliet Rd. For larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, a detour to Highway 109 is advised. Neighborhoods will also see traffic changes, with W. Caldwell Street closed to through traffic to prevent increased neighborhood congestion.
The crossing in question has seen earlier fixes, including work done in the summer of 2021, which has not proven to be the robust solution that the city had hoped for. "The previous repairs weren’t near as extensive as the planned repairs (coming up)…" Mt. Juliet City Manager Kenny Martin told the Tennessean. This time, the average of about 33,700 vehicles that pass through the crossing each day will be redirected to ensure a more comprehensive solution can be implemented without jeopardizing the safety of the workers and the public.
The impact of this closure on local businesses is not being overlooked. Stone Fair worries about the timing, as his business is hosting an open house on July 12, and the detours might divert potential customers. Despite the weekend's predicted business disruptions, the overarching sentiment is one of necessity and long-term benefit, as smoother, safer travels through North Mt. Juliet Road are anticipated post-repair.
