Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Program Would Allow Progress In Lawrence Road Projects

   Should a proposed federal infrastructure stimulus package gain approval, a portion of the funds are earmarked to allow local road projects to begin moving forward.

   Funding for the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) “Ready to Go!” projects, hinges entirely on passage of the stimulus package at the federal level.

   Under the TDOT plan, projects were eligible for inclusion in the “Ready to Go!” project only is all phases of development were already concluded. This includes planning design, environmental studies, and right of way acquisition. All permits must have already been obtained, and the project must be ready to be let to contract within a 180-day period.

   Should funding be obtained as anticipated, four projects within Lawrence County would receive funding. These include bridge replacements on Long Branch Road/Long Branch and Piney Road/Piney Branch, funding for new construction on the U.S. Highway 64 Bypass from State Route 240 to West Robertson Road, and paving along the bypass to Horn Hill Road.

   Authorities indicate that the list is subject to change “since criteria associated with any ultimate legislation passed by Congress have not yet been established.”

.

.