Wartrace, Tennessee, is about to have a slight shift in its traffic flow, as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has greenlit a railroad repair operation that'll put a temporary halt to the traversing of vehicles on one of its routes. Starting this Friday, September 5th, Highway 64, known to locals as Blackman Boulevard, is set to be closed off right at the railroad tracks close to the town's Post Office, as outlined in a release by the TDOT.
Residents of Bedford County will need to mark their calendars for the detour that will redirect their daily commute. Having the tracks serviced means a full closure from 7 a.m. on the aforementioned Friday until Monday, September 8th at 5 p.m., a disruption intended for the betterment of the infrastructure- at the railroad tracks near the Post Office, is where Highway 64's path will be cut off. Alternative signage will guide drivers towards Highway 437 during this time.
The effort, which falls under the management of Bundrick Rail Services, will consist of a series of tasks, including the removal, reconstruction, and resurfacing of the affected track crossing. Although the closure is slated for this specific timeframe, it is worth noting that all work is subject to the whims of our oft-uncertain weather.
In their communication, TDOT implores motorists to adjust their travel schedules accordingly, advising extra time to be factored into their journeys during this period. The department also reiterates the importance of slow and cautious driving, not only for personal safety but as a compliance with Tennessee’s Move Over Law – a regulation that, violated, can lead to up to 30 days in jail and a fine peaking at $500. According to details shared in a TDOT announcement, this law has been in effect since 2006 and remains a critical consideration for passing through work zones.
For those with a keen interest in staying updated on their routes or to report other road-related concerns like potholes, TDOT has designated channels such as the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX or their online form dubbed the TDOT Maintenance Request. Furthermore, real-time updates on construction and traffic can be sourced from the TDOT SmartWay Map, or one could simply dial 511 for travel information, ensuring that Wartrace's motorists remain informed as they navigate these temporary inconveniences.
