Algood is considering implementing three roundabouts on West Main Street to improve traffic flow from Walmart to Highway 111.
Algood City Administrator Keith Morrison said roundabouts are one of the top proposals from the city’s traffic study to improve traffic in that area. Morrison said the idea is to space the three roundabouts apart and potentially remove some of the traffic lights. Morrison said no decision is final.
“So we are gonna look at the short-term goals of what can we do to see, hopefully, some immediate return and improvement on traffic in the area,” Morrison said. “And then for the mid and long-range goals, which one makes the most sense for us, and for the community, and how do we make those the most effective that they can be.”
Morrison said the city is working with the state and Cookeville since a potential project would impact both entities as well. Morrison said after pitching the idea, the state likes the idea of roundabouts.
“They were good with it,” Morrison said. “You know, they had some suggestions. They suggested that you know, educating the public, letting them know what we are doing and why we are doing it, and they suggested some things to look at to study to make sure they are gonna work efficiently. You know, some pre- and post-traffic scenarios where you run a scenario, and you see how the traffic does through the intersection both before and after the changes. So they had several suggestions just to look at, just to make sure, as we move forward, that we are spending money wisely and that it is making an improvement of the intersection overall.”
The Big Mac Drive intersection has had issues with traffic backing up since the Wal Mart entrance became operational, as there is no traffic light. With traffic issues becoming more prevalent due to growth, Morrison said something needs to be done.
“You know, I think we are gonna have to face it pretty quick within the next couple of years,” Morrison said. “Traffic keeps building up, so I think we need to have some answers and be headed in a direction that we think will address some of the concerns.”
Morrison said he expects to receive more information within the next month on what the best course of action is for addressing the traffic on Main Street.
