Highway 70 Reduced to One Lane at Benton McMillan Bridge in Smith County
Lanes Reduced to Prepare for Traffic Shift
CARTHAGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will shift traffic on Highway 70 North (SR 24/SR 53/Cookeville Highway) at the Benton McMillan Bridge in Carthage. During the shift, two lanes will be reduced to a single lane of travel for road realignment.
The lane reduction will be in place Thursday, November 20, through Monday, December 15, 2014.
This operation will allow crews to tie-in the existing Highway 70 with the new route alignment, which connects to the newly constructed bridge over Caney Fork River. Right of way constraints and utility conflicts would not allow crews to widen the route and provide two lanes of travel during construction.
The lane reduction will extend east from Helms Bend Road approximately 500 feet to the end of the project. Advance warning signs will be posted, and a temporary traffic signal will be installed for traffic control.
The time estimated to complete the work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances prevent work from occurring as scheduled, the time will be adjusted or the work will be rescheduled.
The work is part of a larger project to replace a 1930s truss-style bridge along Highway 70. The $5.8 million project is expected to be finished in May 2015.
TDOT asks drivers to use caution, reduce their speed and be alert to changing traffic conditions in work zones across the state. For more information on TDOT construction project activity, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or 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.
TDOT is currently working to improve SmartWay access for Android and iPhone users to assist in navigating Tennessee highways. The new system will provide up-to-the-minute, customized traffic information and will enable the user to access TDOT SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction-related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes. Check back for more information on mobile SmartWay use.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
###