Signal Light Likely Stalled For Current School Year

Jefferson County will likely have to wait until the 2014-2015 school year to see the benefits of the proposed signal light at the intersection of Highway 92 and Dumplin Valley. The Jefferson County School Board, Jefferson County and the Town of Dandridge have partnered with the Tennessee Department of Transportation in a signal light project that would address safety concerns at the busy intersection. According to information provided by Mark Nagi, TDOT Community Relations Officer for Region 1, road improvements necessary for the installation have been completed and the project was let to bid in December of 2013. The prime contractor for the installation of two signalized intersections, one at Dumplin Valley/Highway 92 and one in Sevier County on SR 35 at Hattie Branch and Patterson Roads, is Whaley & Sons. Nagi stated that the contractor has begun the process of getting signal shop drawings completed and approved for the Dumplin Valley/Highway 92 intersection. Once the drawings are approved, materials will be ordered and the installation process will begin. The contract is due to be completed by August 31, 2014, which is after the beginning of the 2014/2015 school year. Earlier information indicated that the signal light would be installed as early as late winter or early spring 2014. Director of Business Affairs for Jefferson County Schools, Michael Phagan, said that he has contacted a representative of TDOT concerning the installation date. There is concern among Jefferson County Department of Education Administration that, should installation not be completed by the start of the new school year, it will have budgetary impact due to the need for additional personnel to direct traffic during heavy travel times, such as drop off and pick up at the schools. Information provided to Phagan indicated that the project should begin around the end of May or in early June and is expected to have an approximate three week completion date and that the project was bundled with the Sevier County project to save costs. Phagan, on behalf of Jefferson County Schools, has taken point on the signal light project, due to the concern for student and community safety.