Wilson Avenue (State Route 55)
Coffee CountyThe Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will be constructing improvements along Wilson Avenue (State Route 55) in Coffee County. This project extends 0.64 mile from First Avenue to State Route 16. The improvements include the replacement of an existing bridge over North Fork Rock Creek and the Rock Creek Greenway, as well as the widening of the existing roadway from 3 to 5 lanes. This project will also include construction of new storm water drainage and sidewalks.
Current Status: Under Construction
Estimated construction start: January 2024
Estimated completion*: May 2027
Funding Type: Funding is split between Federal, State, and City of Tullahoma Utility Authority
Traffic Impacts
Due to the size of the State Route 55 project, the contractor will be conducting construction activities in three phases. Please note that scheduled phases are tentative and dependent on weather and project progress.
PHASE 1 & 1A –January 2024 to June 2024
- Pedestrian detour will be in place to re-route those using the Rock Creek Greenway during construction of a permanent pedestrian access point from SR 55.
PHASE 1B – June 2024 to March 2025
- Traffic on SR 55 will be shifted to the west side of existing bridge. Both lanes of traffic on SR 55 will remain active for the duration of the project.
- Once construction of permanent Rock Creek Greenway pedestrian detour is in place, pedestrians will be re-routed for the duration of North Fork Rock Creek bridge replacement.
PHASE 1C – March 2025 to December 2025
- Traffic on SR 55 will be shifted to the east side of existing bridge. Both lanes of traffic on SR 55 will remain active for the duration of the project.
- Permanent Rock Creek Greenway pedestrian detour will remain in place, pedestrians will be re-routed for the duration of North Fork Rock Creek bridge replacement.
PHASE 2 – April 2025 to April 2026
- Traffic on SR 55 will be shifted to the west side of existing roadway during the construction of new driving lanes on the east side of SR 55. Both lanes of traffic on SR 55 will remain active for the duration of the project.
PHASE 3 –February 2026 to May 2027
- Traffic on SR 55 will be shifted to the east side of existing roadway during the construction of new driving lanes on the west side of SR 55. Both lanes of traffic on SR 55 will remain active for the duration of the project.
- Upon completion of new driving lanes, possible temporary lane shifts may be necessary to complete roadway construction activities.
History and Background
Two historical properties have been identified on the project: the Oakwood Cemetery (Tract 36) and the Coca-Cola building (Tract 33). The proposed impacts to these properties have both been coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office. The occupied segments of these properties will be returned to their as-found conditions or better.
Environment
This project has environmental project commitments regarding Frazier McEwen Park and the Rock Creek Greenway
Project Contacts
Shenwar Hussein, P.E.
TDOT Operations District Supervisor
Phone: (931) 287-7162
Email: Shenwar.Hussein@tn.gov
Rae Anne Bradley
TDOT Region 2 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: (423) 510-1164
Email: Rae-Anne.Bradley@tn.gov