TDOT Works to Ease Traffic Delays on Scenic 73 Bridge Project

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation has coordinated with contractor Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc. to provide relief to the traffic delays that have been occurring on a bridge replacement project on Scenic 73 in the City of Townsend. Stables Drive has been reduced to one lane since the project began earlier this year, with traffic being controlled by a temporary traffic signal.

 

TDOT plans to have two travel lanes open on Scenic 73 during periods when the contractor is not present and during times when work activities are being performed on the opposite side of the Little River that do not require additional space alongside the roadway.

 

“Once utility relocations were complete, additional roadway width was available to allow crews to shift traffic and maintain two lanes during certain periods,” said TDOT Regional Director Steve Borden. “While this change will not totally alleviate travel delays near the project, it should substantially improve traffic flow through the area.”

 

The temporary traffic signals that are currently in place will be set to a cautionary flash during times that both lanes are available for travel. When the lane restriction is in place, the traffic signals will be activated to control the traffic movement one direction at a time. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone.

 

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Knoxville511 for traffic information in the Knoxville 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 their destination.