TDOT Project Update: I-40/White Bridge Road/Robertson Road

Nashville, Tennessee - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) outlined traffic management information today for a new phase of work on the construction project located at I-40 and White Bridge/Robertson Road.

The segment of the project that involves the erection of steel girders will take place over the next four weekends, according to TDOT Region 3 Director Mark Holloran.

“Giant steel bridge beams are now going to be put into place,” Holloran said.  “These beams are about 130 feet long and weigh at least 20 tons each.  Any time one of these massive pieces of metal is raised with a crane, we are required to close the surrounding roads to ensure the safety of nearby motorists.”

Holloran, other TDOT staff and a representative from the project contractor, Ray Bell, Inc., explained how the girder work will be done in segments, on weekends only, to avoid rush hour traffic congestion.

“However, delays will be unavoidable.  This coming weekend, we will be required to close Briley Parkway/Robertson Road and Urbandale Avenue in order to place the cranes where they can lift the beams in place,” Holloran said.  “These closures will last from early Saturday morning to late Sunday evening.  Traffic on I-40 will not be directly impacted until the following weekend, February 28^th.”

Special portable signs will be posted to warn motorists of the intermittent closures.  TDOT SmartWay dynamic message boards will also post information about the disruptions to traffic.

“There is no easy way to do this,” Holloran added.  “While we regret the inconveniences to drivers, it is time to move this project forward with this integral engineering event.  Taking these safety precautions is critical.”

*To view detour information, digital photos of the beam placing process and electronically converted aerial photos of the project site, click here.