TDOT safety project slated for 2025; commissioners discuss Lebanon Road traffic near West Elementary

The committee received an update that the Tennessee Department of Transportation is advancing a safety project along U.S. Highway 70 in front of West Elementary School, but construction scheduling now targets work beginning after a 2025 contractor selection.

Speaker 7 relayed an email from TDOT planner Nathan Vatter saying the project will add a turn lane, school signing, striping and warning beacons; right‑of‑way acquisition is underway. Speakers noted TDOT targeted contractor selection in 2025 and that construction work could occur subsequently. Commissioners and residents said the project had been discussed with TDOT several times and noted a history of spot asphalt repairs where ruts formed; they also described persistent backups caused or amplified by an existing red light and nearby commercial driveways.

Several speakers pressed for wider fixes beyond the immediate safety elements, citing heavy growth along the corridor and a multi‑phase widening program already in study for portions from Parkland to Bender's Ferry and for Central Pike. Speaker 7 said the corridor between Bender's Ferry and West Wilson had been requested for inclusion in the safety project and that a longer 2.6‑mile widening stretch is on the long‑range plan and awaiting funding.

Commissioners asked for diagrams and traffic studies; Speaker 7 said a traffic study was already in the office and offered to provide copies. Speaker 11 asked whether turn lanes would be added at Central Pike for a future elementary school; staff confirmed turn‑lane work is planned. No formal action was taken; the update was informational and staff will continue coordination with TDOT.