Repairs to Interstate 440 have been included in the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s upcoming road projects after the gas tax increase.
TDOT and Governor Bill Haslam announced details of the three-year, $2.6 billion project Tuesday afternoon.
Officials said the project is more expansive due to funding through the IMPROVE Act, which is projected to raise an additional $150 million for the state’s infrastructure needs.
That, in addition to the $120 million repayment to the highway fund, will help move forward several backlogged projects. Repairs to I-440 in Nashville were also included in the list.
A TDOT spokesperson said plans included removing and replacing pavement, removing some of the raised grass median, and making some safety improvements. A third lane is also proposed from 21st Avenue to West End Avenue.
“What we hope is to have a finished product that will better serve the community and last for another 30 years,” said B.J. Doughty, Spokesperson for TDOT.
Doughty estimated the total cost of the project to be $100. She said the hope is for construction to start by next Summer. It is unknown how long the project will take.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said she’s “thrilled” to see that I-440 repairs are a priority for Governor Haslam.
“Residents in Davidson County and commuters across the region have been extremely vocal about the need for this to happen, and I am pleased that Governor Haslam and Commissioner Schroer have listened,” she said.
Some drivers said they supported the plan, as well. Employees at Lather Nashville drive on I-440 every day to get to work. They said the improvements are overdue.
“It is definitely bumpy, to say the least,” said Daryl Woods, owner of Lather Nashville. “They need to figure out a way to take care of the potholes and quickly.”
Doughty said TDOT will work to find ways to minimize the construction impact on traffic.
“If we say we have to close portions of I-440 on the weekend, know that we are doing that to get it done faster and not impact your Monday through Friday drive to work,” said Doughty.
Read more about the plan here.
To view a complete list of projects and programs funded through the program visit: http://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/tdot/attachments/Three_Year_Transportation_Plan_(FY_18-20).pdf.
