State Route 31

Hawkins County

Overview

The proposed project for State Route 31, from US 11W (State Route 1) to Adams Lane in Hawkins County, consists of spot improvements for approximately 4.3 miles. The spot improvements include widening, adding a turn lane at Helton Drive, and replacing the bridge over Poor Valley Creek.

Purpose and Need

SR 31 is a rural minor arterial highway between the community of Mooresburg in Hawkins County and the community of Treadway in Hancock County. It connects to US 11W (SR 1/Lee Highway) at the south end of the route.

Currently, SR 31 has sharp curves, limited sight distance, narrow lanes and shoulders, and a lack of turn lanes at congested intersections that impact the safety and mobility of the route.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and operation of SR 31 by correcting roadway deficiencies and addressing capacity issues at various locations along route.

Design

The existing route is a two-lane roadway. Previously proposed designs consisted of widening the route to a five-lane facility. As a result of public input and a re-evaluation of the state route, design plans have been scaled down to more efficiently serve the purpose and need of the project and the area.

The newly proposed design consists of spot improvements along SR 31 between SR 1 and Adams Lane. The improvements are proposed at the following three sections or segments.

Section 1 – US 11W (SR 1) to Jarnigan Road

  • US 11W (SR 1) to near Old SR 1
    • two 12-foot travel lanes (one lane in each direction)
    • 12-foot dedicated center turn lane
    • 8-foot shoulders
  • Near Old SR 1 to near Jarnigan Road
    • two 12-foot travel lanes (one lane in each direction)
    • 12-foot dedicated center turn lane
    • 8-foot shoulders
    • curb-and-gutter

Section 2 – Intersection at Helton Lane

  • two 12-foot travel lanes (one lane in each direction)
  • 12-foot left turn lane from SR 31 North to Helton Lane
  • 4-foot shoulders

Section 3 – Bridge over Poor Valley Creek

  • bridge replacement
  • two 12-foot travel lanes (one lane in each direction)
  • 12-foot shoulders