TDOT to add turning lane at Westover after board hears accident study

Board member Mister Beauchamp told trustees that the Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to begin a spot safety project at Westover that will add a turning/deceleration lane at the Crucifer Road intersection. He said a professional engineer's study found roughly 12 accidents in the area in the last year and that the deceleration lane should reduce confusion and slow traffic in the turning area.

Trustees asked whether TDOT could reduce the posted speed; Beauchamp said TDOT declined to lower the speed but will prioritize the spot safety improvements and expected work to start within six months. The board welcomed TDOT's prioritized mitigation and noted the change should improve safety at a previously hazardous intersection.