Reconstructed Section of Highway 109 in Sumner County Opens to Traffic

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined state and local officials in Sumner County today as a reconstructed portion of Highway 109 was opened to traffic. The $27.9 million project widened a two mile section of the roadway and also reconstructed the narrow, steep conditions along the ridge near Portland.

 

"Highway 109 has been identified as a strategic corridor connecting several communities in Middle Tennessee," said Commissioner Nicely. "The completion of this project marks major progress in TDOT's efforts to increase capacity and safety along this entire route."

 

Representative Mike McDonald, who was instrumental in the development of this project, joined Commissioner Nicely at today's ceremonial opening event.

 

"I made a commitment to fight for the funding necessary to improve this route and provide the people of Sumner County with a safe highway," said Representative McDonald. "I want to thank TDOT for working closely with me to prioritize this transportation project and for their investment in this community."

 

Senator Diane Black added, "The thousands of motorists who travel this section of Highway 109 each day will face less congestion as they commute between Portland and Gallatin and Nashville. I am so pleased to see this project completed four months ahead of schedule"

 

This Highway 109 reconstruction project was completed in two separate phases. The first phase, which included the grading along the project area, was completed in September of 2009. The second phase, which included the paving of the newly constructed roadway, was not scheduled to be complete until October 2010. Final detail construction work will continue for a short period, but will be conducted during off-peak travel hours and at night. This work should have minimal traffic impacts.  

 

There are currently three other Highway 109 widening projects under construction, two in Sumner County and one in Wilson County. All three are expected to be complete in late 2011.

 

 

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