The construction project from Apison Pike to State 321 (Ooltewah Ringgold Road) continues and is on schedule for its completion date on May 30, 2025, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Communications Officer Jennifer Flynn.
In August 2020, the Accent reported on the progress made by TDOT since construction began on Phase I in March 2020. According to the TDOT website, Phase 1 spans over 3.4 miles. Once completed, the roadway will have five lanes with curbs and gutters, sidewalks, bike lanes and Greenway connections.
“A new bridge will be built over the Norfolk Southern Railroad to separate the tracks from the state route. In total, construction will include five bridges, as well as nine walls, along the route,” according to the TDOT website.
According to the list provided by Flynn, the roundabout on Tallant Road is near completion. Work on bridges and walls is progressing on schedule, and most of the utility work is complete.
Bridge #3 will be built over the railroad tracks at the intersection of Apison Pike, McKee Road and Tucker Road. With the new bridge installed, drivers will no longer have to wait for trains to pass to get over the railroad track.
According to Flynn, the next step for this project is to pave a portion of the roundabout at Tallant Road to complete a new intersection. The right of way to the railroad has been approved and construction of Bridge #1 will begin. Bridge #1 will be a large bridge over the railroad track.
Along with the current improvements, a future project is in development, according to Flynn. The project plans to widen a 0.9-mile section of Apison Pike to three lanes from Layton Lane to East Brainerd Road. The TDOT will communicate any further construction updates on their website.
