(NASHVILLE, TN), July 12, 2016 — State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Lewisburg Mayor Jim Bingham and Marshall County Mayor Joe Boyd Liggett announced Tuesday, July 12th, that the Department of Transportation (TDOT) has informed them that a major project to improve SR-50 (N. Ellington Parkway) has been scheduled to be let to construction in December. The project, which is part of the bypass around Lewisburg, is designed to improve the capacity and operation efficiency of the road.
“This is a huge project,” said Senator Tracy, who is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “It will be a tremendous help in alleviating traffic. Not only will it improve the looks of the area, but it will enhance business growth. I am very pleased that it is moving forward to the construction phase.”
The project will include the widening of 2.18 miles of SR-50 from a 2-lane section to a 5-lane section. It will begin just west of SR-106 (Franklin Pike) and ends just east of SR-11 (Verona Avenue). The portion of the project from just east of SR-106 to west of SR-417 (W Ellington Parkway) will be a 5-lane section with 10-foot shoulders and the remainder of the project will be a 5-lane section with 10-foot shoulders and curb and gutter. It will include the reconfiguration of the Franklin Road intersection and the Fifth Avenue/Rock Crusher Road intersection and will upgrade 5 existing signalized intersections and a new signalized intersection at SR-50 at SR-106. It will also include a new bridge over the CSX Railroad and a new Arch Bridge over Snell Branch.
“This project has been worked on for many years, and to have it become a reality is tremendous. Thanks to everyone, especially Sen. Jim Tracy, who helped make this happen.” Said Mayor Joe Boyd Liggett.
“On behalf of the citizens of Lewisburg, I want to thank Governor Haslam, Commissioner Schroer and his staff at TDOT, and a special thanks to Senator Tracy and Representative Spivey for their leadership on moving this project” added City Mayor, Jim Bingham.
The estimated project cost, including right of way, utilities and construction is estimated at approximately $30 million. The cost of just construction is approximately $20 million. Some of the funds will come from $100 million appropriated by the General Assembly this year, which was spearheaded by Tracy, to repay money borrowed from the state’s Highway Trust Fund during the recession.
The project will take approximately 30 months to complete.
