By: Clint Jones
After its completion in late June, the Apison Pike bridge was officially dedicated by the City of Collegedale on Oct. 1 as the Desmond T. Doss Medal of Honor Bridge.
The Desmond T. Doss Bridge is part of a larger 10-year upgrade project on Apison Pike, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) promising improvements in traffic, safety and capacity.
The project, which comprised construction of the bridge and the widening of Apison Pike up to Layton Lane, cost an estimated $97.5 million, according to a previous Accent article. The bridge has diverted a large flow of traffic that initially went through Old Apison Pike.
In an interview with the Accent, Zachary Bradley, a senior history major and resident of Spalding Cove Apartments, said that construction of the bridge and nearby infrastructure had been an inconvenience.
“I don’t mind the bridge, but I mind the construction,” he said.
Bradley expressed his frustration with the dumping of boulders and other construction equipment that sometimes began as early as 7:30 a.m.
In an email to the Accent, Anne Bradley, TDOT regional communications officer, explained that construction of the new bridge completes TDOT’s plan for the expansion of Apison Pike.
“The bridge is a critical milestone within the broader Apison Pike reconstruction project,” she said.
With construction beginning in 2020, the bridge project has caused major changes to the Collegedale Greenway and Spalding Cove Apartments beside campus.
Adam Bellis, a community member and alumnus of Southern, mentioned how the lengthy bridge construction project has caused traffic jams.
“[This] mammoth project seemed to have no end,” he said. “Spalding [Cove Apartments] is just right under the bridge. They were being woken up and disrupted by construction. I had many friends that were over there. And I did feel like students don’t go to Southern to experience all of that.”
For some students and community members, the construction brought unwanted noise and congestion in order to change the flow of traffic.
“It makes it a much busier road to use if you are a pedestrian,” said Zach Bradley, “[but] I appreciate that it’s done.”
Alessandro Yoxom, sophomore media production major, experienced both pros and cons as a commuting student.
“The new Apison Pike bridge is a blessing to everyone residing in Collegedale and to the students of Southern,” said Yoxom. “However, as a commuter student, there are a few issues with the new installation of the bridge. When driving from Old Lee Highway, I have to wait for a while to merge due to oncoming traffic from both sides.”
Anne Bradley explained that the bridge construction and Apison Pike upgrade will benefit Southern students and community members.
“Early observations indicate enhanced mobility and reduced congestion, especially during peak travel times,” she said.
The TDOT website states that the Apison Pike expansion, including the new bridge, addresses issues with congestion that were experienced on the original two-lane road.
“The Apison Pike project is intended to improve the safety and operation of the route by correcting roadway deficiencies,” according to the TDOT website.
Members of the community and students can expect smoother-flowing traffic and a safer driving experience as the project comes to a close.
“Overall, the project strengthens the region’s transportation network with a safer and more reliable route that supports economic growth and quality of life for Tennesseans,” said Anne Bradley. “Activities are expected to wrap up in the coming weeks, marking substantial progress toward full project completion.”
The students and community members have recognized the plethora of changes that have come to the Collegedale and greater Chattanooga areas in the past few years.
“It doesn’t feel like little Apison [Pike] anymore,” said Zach Bradley.
