TDOT Formally Opens and Re-dedicates New Carter County Bridge
Friday, October 22, 2010 | 09:00am
[img:2 align=float_left]The New Master Sergeant Jefferson Donald Davis Bridge Offers Wider Lanes for Safer Travel
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation officials joined State House Speaker Kent Williams and local officials to formally open and re-dedicate the new Master Sergeant Jefferson Donald Davis Bridge over the Watauga River in Elizabethton today.
The new concrete bridge replaces the 81-year-old steel through truss bridge over the Watauga River on State Route 400 (Lynn Avenue). Originally constructed in 1929, the bridge was classified as structurally deficient and, at a width of just 20 feet, was too narrow to handle traffic volumes. In 2008, TDOT began construction on the new structure which includes two 12 foot travel lanes, a center turn lane, four and a half foot sidewalks and six foot bike lanes on each side.
[img:1 align=float_right]“The new bridge is wider and safer for all motorists and will also provide citizens with more opportunities to safely bike and walk along this corridor,” said Nicely. “We are proud to be here today to open this new bridge and dedicate it to honor the memory of Master Sergeant Jefferson Donald Davis who gave his life serving in Afghanistan.”
During today’s event, TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges and Speaker Williams joined Master Sergeant Davis’ parents Lon and Linda Davis and his sister Debra Sams to unveil the new sign designating the new Watauga River Bridge as the Master Sergeant Jefferson Donald Davis Bridge. Davis was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in December 2001.
“Today would have been Master Sergeant J.D. Davis’ 48th birthday, so I am honored to be here today to open the Master Sergeant Jefferson Donald Davis Bridge and to honor the sacrifice he made for our country,” said Williams. “This is an important project for Carter County and I want to thank Deputy Governor Nicely and Governor Bredesen for providing the funds to build a new, safer bridge between Watauga and downtown Elizabethton.”
“I’m pleased to honor Master Sergeant Davis and to recognize his service and sacrifice for our Country,” said Crowe. “This new bridge over the Watauga River will help improve access and safety along this busy corridor.”
The bridge project is part of a three phase project to widen Lynn Avenue from north of the Watauga River to Elk Avenue. When complete, Lynn Avenue from north of the Watauga River to Broad Street will have four 12 foot travel lanes with a center turn lane, and four and a half foot sidewalks and six foot bike trails on each side of the roadway. From Broad Street to Elk Avenue the roadway will have four 12 foot travel lanes with a center turn lane and a four and a half foot sidewalk on the eastbound side and an eight and a half foot multi-use path on the westbound side. The entire project is expected to be complete by the end of 2010.
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Media Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT Public Information Officer
615-533-7105
Julie.A.Oaks@tn.gov