TDOT Formally Opens Newly Improved Oak Ridge Turnpike

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined Senators Ken Yager and Randy McNally as well as Representatives Jim Hackworth and Dennis Ferguson to formally open State Route 95 also known as Oak Ridge Turnpike on Wednesday, October 13. Improvements along the four mile stretch of State Route 95 from Illinois Avenue (State Route 62) in Anderson County to Westover Drive in Roane County included widened travel lanes, the addition of left turn lanes, five foot sidewalks and six foot bike lanes on each side of the roadway, and an improved intersection at Lincoln Road.

 

“These improvements will provide motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists in Anderson and Roane Counties with a safer roadway,” TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said. “This intersection improvement will allow drivers to better see any oncoming traffic and safely turn onto Oak Ridge Turnpike from Lincoln Road.”

 

Phase one of the State Route 95 widening project began in March of 2008 and cost an estimated $26,126,673. Phase two of the project is already underway. G.W. Wyatt Contracting, LLC began the $14,957,234 project in November of 2009. It is estimated to be finished in May 2012.  When both phases are complete State Route 95 in conjunction with State Route 58 will offer motorists four lanes of direct access to I-40.

 

“This project has been a priority for me for more than a decade and to see the progression of these improvements has been a rewarding journey in itself,” said Representative Dennis Ferguson. “I look forward to completing the second phase of this project and further opening up this area to continued progress.”

 

Representative Jim Hackworth added, “Improvements like the widening of State Route 95 here in Anderson and Roane Counties help make this region more competitive economically and provide motorists with a safer roadway to travel.”

 

“Reliable, safe and modern infrastructure is a key component to economic growth in Anderson and Roane Counties,” Senator Randy McNally said. “This project will make the roadway safer for all travelers through this area.”

 

“The State Route 95 Corridor is an important link from Interstate 40 in Roane County to Oak Ridge,” said Senator Ken Yager.  “Completion of the four-lane roadway makes travel safer and easier and contributes to the commercial development in both communities. I appreciate the effort of Commissioner Nicely and TDOT

staff to make this project happen.”

 

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