NEWS

Construction begins on I-65 ramp repairs in Brentwood

Bonnie Burch
bburch@tennessean.com

BRENTWOOD – The orange barrels on the Concord Road interchange with Interstate 65 signal that the Tennessee Department of Transportation is ready to start construction on long-awaited ramp repairs.

Once the project is complete at the end of the year, drivers will have the luxury of additional turn lanes at the northbound and southbound off-ramps, along with other improvements such as paving.

Specifically, workers will reconstruct the northbound ramp with a raised concrete island located along Concord Road. Work also will include an additional left turn lane and a longer deceleration lane for the I-65 north off-ramp.

“This is routine repair work that will require a single lane closure on I-65 northbound at the interchange for the duration of the project. The northbound off-ramp will be accessible, but motorists will be shifted over,” said Heather Jensen, TDOT community relations officer.

A retaining wall and half wall will be constructed along the southbound off-ramp, which will also see the reconstruction of a raised concrete island along Concord Road, widening for an additional left turn lane and right turn lane, and installation of a new guardrail and signage.

“Southbound ramp work will not require a lane closure on I-65 at this time. However, ramp traffic may be shifted to the interior and exterior lanes as needed,” said Jensen.

The $1.8 million project is expected to be complete in December, she said.

Reach Bonnie Burch at 615-771-5421 and on Twitter @BonnieBurch_WAM.