TDOT Celebrates Completion of Ft Loudoun Dam Bridge Project

Lenoir City, Tenn. - Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local leaders on Tuesday, June 19, to celebrate the completion of the Ft. Loudoun Dam bridge project along State Route 73 (US 321) in Loudon County.

Tuesday's ribbon cutting marked the end of the six-year project which widens SR 73, from SR 2 (US 11) to east of Tellico Canal. The widening completes the final section of four-lane highway between Interstate 40 and Maryville. Construction also includes one concrete I-beam bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad and two welded steel girder bridges over the Tennessee River and the Tellico Canal, as well as bicycle lanes and a shared-use path for pedestrians.

All work, including the removal of the existing J. Carmichael Greer Bridge, was completed without impeding the functions of the dam and the lock.

The $71.7 million project is designed to improve safety and mobility for motorists along the corridor, as well as improve access and operations of the Ft. Loudoun dam by Tennessee Valley Authority.

Tuesday's ceremony also included the dedication of the three bridges to honor Gold Star Families, Korean War Veteran Ted Wampler, Senior, and Former State Representative Harry Wampler.  

Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Representative Jimmy Matlock (R-Lenoir City) were on hand for the ribbon cutting. Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens and Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw were also in attendance.

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