Governor and Commissioner Release Multi-modal Transportation Improvement Plan for 2011-2014

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Transportation Commissioner John Schroer today released the three-year transportation program, which prioritizes a number of important improvements to Tennessee’s interstate system and continues funding for transit, rail, water and aviation programs. The three-year Multi-modal Work Program for 2011-2014 includes 182 transportation projects and programs, including 45 individual projects on interstates, 30 transit, water, rail & aviation initiatives, and 29 transportation programs serving Tennesseans across the state.

“A quality transportation system is vital to the continued growth of the state’s economy and increasing job opportunities for our residents,” said Governor Haslam. “The commissioner and I believe this three-year program balances the needs of communities across the state and makes solid investments in Tennessee’s infrastructure.” 

 

The three-year multimodal program funds the widening of Interstate 65 north of downtown Nashville, and the completion of corridor improvements to State Route 66 in East Tennessee between I-40 and Sevierville. The program lists projects funded for various stages of development, including location and environmental studies, preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and many operational components in the first year of the plan. It also proposes funding for a portion of the second and third year plans leaving flexibility for additional projects in those years.

 

“Taking a multi-modal approach to transportation planning allows TDOT to be responsive to the citizens of this state, tailoring projects to provide the greatest benefits in both our urban and rural areas,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “The department will address a number of needs through this three-year program, including congestion relief, improving access to communities, and the replacement or repair of dozens of aging bridges.”

 

Under the plan, TDOT will complete the final year of the Better Bridges Program, the construction of State Route 840 in Williamson County, a new interchange on U.S. 11E at U.S. 19 E in Sullivan County, U.S. 64 in southern west and middle Tennessee, and the widening of U.S. 27 (State Route 29) in Hamilton County.

 

The program includes dedicated funding for 29 transportation programs including Rockfall Mitigation, Spot Safety Improvement, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School. It also provides approximately $45 million per year in funding for transit agencies, Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations, and private non-profit organizations in all 95 counties in Tennessee. TDOT will also administer funding for rehabilitation projects for shortline railways and bridges in several Tennessee counties and programs that provide for improvements at the state’s airports.

 

To view a complete list of projects and programs funded through the 2011-2014 three-year multimodal program visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/mediaroom/documents.htm. Video and audio clips with TDOT Commissioner Schroer regarding the three-year program are also available for download at http://www.youtube.com/user/TDOTnews and http://www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/audio.htm. Project photos are available at http://www.flicker.com/photos/tndot/.