The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has awarded the state’s second Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract to address urgent repairs required for the Broad Street bridge (SR 67/SR 91/US 321) over the Doe River near downtown Elizabethton. This bridge was damaged by Hurricane Helene, and the project aims to restore the bridge to traffic by May 23, 2025, pending final design and construction schedule approval.
The project is facilitated by the Transportation Modernization Act, which enables the PDB approach. This method incorporates a Design-Build Team consisting of a contractor and designer early in the project development phase. It encourages collaboration and allows for overlapping and concurrent activities, which can accelerate the project timeline and improve risk management and cost control.
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The repair of the Broad Street bridge is crucial for the residents of Carter County as it serves as a vital connection between Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Hampton communities. The design process is being developed collaboratively with the contractor, who provides feedback on ongoing decisions, ensuring the project’s success.
Cost estimates for the project are continuously refined as the design progresses, reducing the potential for cost overruns and schedule delays. This project follows TDOT’s first PDB contract, awarded in October 2024, which focuses on rebuilding the Nolichucky River bridges along SR-107 in Greene County and SR-81 in Washington County, with a completion target of June 23, 2025.
The timeline for the Broad Street bridge project began with contractor proposals on November 4, 2024. Michels Construction, Inc. was awarded the contract on November 20, 2024, with the contract finalized on December 11, 2024. Environmental permitting and design are currently in progress, with survey activities set to commence on December 12, 2024. The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic by May 23, 2025, or earlier.
Source: Read Original Release
Temporary Lane Closure on I-40 in Putnam County
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced a temporary lane closure on I-40 from Exit 267 to Exit 275 in Putnam County for road maintenance on December 10-11, 2024, with potential rescheduling due to weather. Police will assist with traffic control, and motorists are advised to stay informed and abide by traffic laws.