T-DOT reports steady progress on its ongoing culvert replacement project along State Route 53 in Jackson County.
The project started last month with a full shutdown of the road near Hurricane Branch Lane. T-DOT Regional Communications Officer Rae-Anne Bradley said crews have already completed several key phases.
“The project is progressing well,” Bradley said. “Traffic control is in place, erosion control measures have been installed, the existing culverts have been removed, and then the new box culvert has been set, along with several of the wing walls.”
Bradley said the contractor has lost a couple of days in the work schedule due to water in the work zone. However, Bradley said the project is still on track, with the section expected to be open to traffic later this month.
“The contractor needs to finish the wing wall installation, and then there’s some backfill that’s going to be needed around the culvert, and then they’ll need to remove the haul road after that, and then crews will install base stone, and then asphalt, and then do some final striping, install guard rail, do some work to stabilize the slope, and then some site cleanup,” Bradley said.
Before the project started, T-DOT had asked for public cooperation to avoid the area or use of the adjacent road that was meant strictly for crews on site and emergency personnel. Bradley said T-DOt has not had any issues thus far.
“I think our proactive communications approach and engaging the public early and often to stay clear of the project site has been effective,” Bradley said. “They have heeded our warnings, and we’re not aware of any problems with people trying to access the work zone.”
Bradley said T-DOT is still aware of the impact that this closure has had on residents in Jackson and Clay County.
“We just ask for their continued patience as we work to get this project wrapped up,” Bradley said.
Bradley said once the project is complete, traveling on SR-53 will be much safer. Bradley said T-DOT will continue monitoring progress closely to ensure the project stays on track and the roadway can safely reopen as soon as possible.
