Portion of State Route 249 Damaged in May Floods Reopens to Traffic
Friday, December 10, 2010 | 10:11am
NASHVILLE – A Middle Tennessee roadway heavily damaged by the May floods has reopened following major repairs. A section of State Route 249 in Cheatham County was closed in late August to repair a landslide that caused part of the roadway to collapse and slide down a steep embankment. During the closure, TDOT contract crews reconstructed the road, cleared flood debris from a nearby stream, and added new drainage structures.
“The reopening of this road is yet another milestone in Tennessee’s flood recovery efforts,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Immediately after the disaster, TDOT worked quickly to assess the damage to our transportation system, initiate contracts and get repairs underway. I appreciate their efforts to restore vital elements of our infrastructure.”
Nearly 35,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock were excavated from an approximate 400 foot portion of State Route 249. The area was then filled with more than 50,000 tons of new stone and stabilized with geotextile fabric before new asphalt and striping were applied.
“This was one of the most extensive repair projects initiated after the May floods with the roadway being completely rebuilt,” added TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We appreciate the patience of residents and commuters who have adjusted their routes during this closure.”
Two other flood repair projects in the Middle Tennessee area are continuing. Repairs to a rockslide on State Route 96 in Williamson County are expected to be complete by April 2011. In November, TDOT awarded a $9.5 million dollar contract to construct a bridge over a flood damaged portion of State Route 7 in Maury County.
For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 from any land-line or cell phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Nashville511 for traffic information in the Nashville area. Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.
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For more information:
B.J. Doughty
TDOT Reg. 3 Community Relations Officer
Office 615.350.4302
Mobile 615.714.8556