Wilson County gets five road projects

May 4, 2005
Unveiling a new three-year Highway Improvement Plan for the state Tuesday, Gov. Phil Bredesen revealed five projects would be headed to Wilson County.
The projects are sprinkled throughout the county including two projects in Mt. Juliet, one project in the Highway 109 area and two in the northeast portion of the county.
State legislators representing parts and all of Wilson County were pleased at the news Tuesday.
"I am pleased to announce that there are five new projects included for Wilson County in this Highway Improvement Program," Rep. Stratton Bone said in a press release. "This represents our commitment to keeping up with the growing demands on our transportation system when it comes to safety and economic development."
Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, was glad Wilson County fared so well.
"I think it says that Wilson County has had tremendous growth and the administration recognizes the needs for roads in this area," she said.
State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, was pleased to the 57th district garnered three projects.
"These projects are very much needed and will improve transportation and safety and ease driving through the 57th district," she said.
The two projects in West Wilson County slated to receive construction funding in 2006 include modifying the interchange at Mt. Juliet Road and Interstate 40 along with widening the lanes to Providence Place and moving utilities and widening Mt. Juliet Road north from Division Street to Lebanon Road from three lanes to five.
The project at Hwy. 109 area consists of widening the main thoroughfare from two lanes to five lanes from Division Street to Lebanon Road. The funding for construction has been budgeted for fiscal year 2007.
The remaining two projects in Wilson County involved State Route 141, which connects Lebanon to Hartsville. The first plan involves realigning seven miles of road from Spring Creek to the Trousdale County line and allowing for future widening. The second plan consists of funding right-of-way purchases to widen the road from Leland Lane to north of Spring Creek. The funding is slated for fiscal year 2008 for right of way.