State Rankings Recognize TDOT’s Efforts to Be More Bicycle Friendly

NASHVILLE – In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has released its latest Bicycle Friendly States (BFS) ranking. In the sixth annual assessment, Tennessee ranked 2^nd in the southeast region, while placing 17^th nationally. Tennessee has improved its national ranking from 26^th in 2012.

“With all the competing transportation needs we have, Tennessee is proud to be making gains in the area of bicycle friendliness,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer. “The network of bike lanes across the state is growing each and every year and we will continue to dedicate funding for important programs such as Safe Routes to School.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has released the list of projects open for bidding May 24, 2013.

TDOT will open bids on a total of 97 contracts, including 182 projects in 77 counties. TDOT will initiate a number of resurfacing projects and other maintenance projects such as attenuator repair, pavement joint stabilization, and pavement crack sealing.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer today released the three-year transportation program, featuring approximately $1.5 billion in infrastructure investments for 80 individual project phases in 47 counties, as well as 15 statewide programs.

Tennessee is one of only five states that do not borrow money to fund transportation projects, and the program continues TDOT’s “pay as you go” philosophy, carrying no debt for any transportation initiatives.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – TDOT Commissioner John Schroer will visit with local officials on-site near the U.S. 27 project in Chattanooga, Tennessee to discuss the future of the U.S. 27 corridor.  Media are invited to attend.

Commissioner Schroer will be near the current U.S. 27 project at the River Point Condominiums on Whitehall Road on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today proclaimed April 15-19, 2013 Work Zone Awareness Week in Tennessee, joining states across the nation in highlighting the complexities of work zones and reminding motorists to drive safely in construction areas. TDOT will spread that message across the state this week in an effort to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. 

“As we head into the busy construction season, motorists will encounter more maintenance workers, utility personnel, and construction workers on Tennessee’s roadways,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “I want to remind all drivers to stay alert and focused and exercise caution and patience when driving through work zones across the state. Doing so will help ensure everyone stays safe.”

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – SR 16 (Rowe Gap Road/Keith Springs Mtn.) in Franklin County will remain closed near log mile 17.7 as clean-up continues from a rockslide that occurred on Monday, March 25, 2013.  Originally it was thought that the roadway could safely be reopened to traffic by April 12, 2013, but unforeseen events have pushed the schedule back by two weeks.

Nashville, Tenn. – In an effort to save lives on Tennessee’s roadways, local law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force beginning April 12 through April 15, and from April 19 through April 22, as part of the “More Cops. More Stops.” campaign to crack down on drivers who are speeding, driving while under the influence or distracted, or not wearing seat belts.

NASHVILLE— The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced today that federal and state aeronautics grants totaling $281,696 have been approved for six Tennessee airports.

Airports receiving grants include:

Jackson (Madison County) – McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport

Knoxville (Knox County) – McGhee Tyson Airport
Memphis (Shelby County) – General DeWitt Spain Airport

Millington (Shelby County) – Millington Regional Jetport
Savannah (Hardin County) – Savannah-Hardin County Airport

Sevierville (Sevier County) – Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport

For more details on each of these grants visit: 
http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2013/GrantDetails.pdf

I-40 near the Silliman Evans Bridge in Nashville Reduced to One Lane This Weekend for Bridge Repair

Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will close the right lane of Interstate 40 westbound near downtown this weekend in order to make repairs to the Silliman Evans Bridge.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee River Trail Scenic Byway, threading through nine counties along the Tennessee River, recently blazed a new trail as the project team behind the marketing effort and audio tour won a prestigious “ADDY” in the recent awards competition.

With more than 60,000 entries annually, the ADDY Awards is the world’s largest advertising competition representing the true spirit of creative excellence by recognizing all forms of advertising from media of all types. The Tennessee River Trail Scenic Byway won a silver award in the Public Service Integrated Campaign category.