Cookeville officials approved a project to construct a northbound left turn lane on South Willow Avenue at the intersection of Lee Seminary Road to alleviate traffic congestion.
City Manager James Mills said TDOT agreed to build the turn lane if the city acquired the necessary property.
“The northbound traffic queues at Lee Seminary Road have become an issue on South Willow Avenue,” Mills said, “Especially with the opening of the Parkview Elementary school further west on Lee Seminary Road.”
Mills said the project serves as an interim solution because a larger plan to widen South Willow Avenue to five lanes is not scheduled to begin for several years.
Mills said the city must acquire a small amount of right of way and easements from two parcels to move forward. The approved resolution authorizes the city manager to obtain those land rights through donation, negotiation, or eminent domain.
“Jon Ward, our assistant city manager, has been in contact with the owners of the two properties, or the parcels, and we believe and we’re hopeful the acquisition will be completed in the next few weeks so construction can begin.” Mills said.
Construction on the South Willow Avenue turn lane is expected to start by the end of the year.
