TDOT Opens State Route 218 Bypass in Henry County

Jackson, Tenn. –Tennessee Department of Transportation officials joined state and local leaders in Henry County today to celebrate the on time completion of the new section of State Route 218 and officially open it to traffic. State Route 218 from State Route 54 to State Route 69 is the first American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project in West Tennessee constructed in an entirely new location to open to traffic.

 

“Today, we want to recognize the on time completion of this important project and also thank the city of Paris and Henry County for partnering with TDOT to construct this important roadway,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Survey and design of the final section between State Route 69 and US641 is currently underway as we continue this joint venture in making this bypass a reality.” 

 

The entire bypass will be built on a new location with two 12 foot travel lanes and eight foot shoulders.

 

“The three miles of new bypass that we open today is just one way that TDOT has put our resources to good use,” said Senator Roy Herron. “I thank Deputy Governor Nicely and TDOT for continuing to make these investments in our infrastructures.”

 

The remaining section just north of Paris is in the design phase. The local government will be responsible for acquiring the right of way. Currently it is scheduled for construction by the end of 2013.

 

“This bypass will relieve the truck traffic going through the downtown area,” added State Representative Butch Borchert. “I’m pleased to be here in Henry County today to open this new section of State Route 218 and I want to thank the Deputy Governor and TDOT for this investment in Henry County.”

 

Vaughn Contractors, of Waverly, Tennessee was the prime contractor for the job which cost an estimated $8 million and had an estimated completion date of 10/31/2010.

For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.recovery.gov or visit www.tn.gov/tdot and click on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act link in the middle of the page.

 

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