North Willow Avenue (State Route 135)
Putnam County
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is proposing to conduct improvements to North Willow Avenue (State Route 135) in Putnam County. The proposed project, which will stretch from West Broad Street to West 12th Street in Cookeville, includes widening SR 135 from the current 4 lane section to a 5 lane section with a continuous left-turn lane. Also included are enhanced pedestrian facilities and intersection improvements.
This project is identified for funding in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2028.
Current Status: Preliminary roadway design is underway.
Estimated construction start: Fiscal Year 2028.
Funding Type: TDOT anticipates that a portion of this project will be funded through the Transportation Modernization Fund.
History and Background
TDOT began evaluating this project based on safety concerns. Existing crash rates along the SR 135 corridor were compared to statewide average crash rates. A ratio of actual crashes to critical crashes of less than one is desirable; however, the actual-to-critical ratios for the entire corridor and at most intersections along SR 135 was close to or greater than one.
This project aims to improve safety and mobility along SR 135 in a cost-effective manner.
Public Involvement and Engagement
Design Public Meeting - Held on November 18th, 2025
SR 135 Design Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting Presentation
Rollplot Aerial Photo
Key Project Milestones
Project Design Initiated December 2022
Right-of-Way Appraisals and Acquisition Fiscal Year 2025
Design Public Meeting November 18, 2025
ROW Public Meeting January 2026
Construction Fiscal Year 2028
Project Contacts
Rae Anne Bradley
TDOT Region 2 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: (423) 510-1164
Email: Rae-Anne.Bradley@tn.gov
Curt Duncan
TDOT Region 2 Project Management
Phone: (423) 634-5796
Email: Curtis.Duncan@tn.gov