TDOT Commissioner Schroer Celebrates Completion of SR 385

November 22, 2013

TDOT Commissioner Schroer Celebrates Completion of State Route 385

Memphis, Tenn. –Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer and former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn joined state and local officials in Collierville today to mark the opening of the final section of State Route 385. The new 8 mile section, from State Route 57 (Poplar Road) to State Route 193 (Macon Road) is the final piece of the 55 mile route.

“This project will benefit citizens across Tennessee and the entire region by providing better access to surrounding communities and interstates,” Schroer said. “This major improvement to our infrastructure will also aid in our economic development efforts and will provide greater mobility for residents.”

The $74 million project started in November 2009 and is the final segment of SR 385, stretching through Fayette and Shelby counties. The State Route 385 corridor began development and construction in the 1980’s.  It intersects with State Route 3 near Millington and encircles the downtown Memphis area on its easterly side and connects to Interstate 240.

During Friday’s ceremony, the final segment of SR 385 was also officially designated as Governor Winfield Dunn Parkway.

“Shelby and Fayette Counties have seen tremendous growth over the past several years,” said Gov. Dunn. “Opening this last segment of SR 385 will help alleviate congestion in and around the Memphis area. I am honored to be here for the completion of this final section.”

TDOT recently added overhead Dynamic Message Signs to Interstate 40 in Fayette and Shelby counties to provide motorists with real time traffic information. Commercial vehicle traffic in the downtown Memphis area is also expected to decrease with today’s opening.

The final section of SR 385 in Fayette and Shelby counties will officially open to traffic at 4:00 p.m. this evening.

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