Fate Of Dandridge Bridge Awaits Federal Highway Administration Final Approval

Dandridge Bridge, SR 92, June 1, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Dandridge Bridge SR 92, which is a part of the historic town’s local landscape, has been in flux for several years as town officials and representatives from the Tennessee Department of Transportation deliberated on the best and least costly means for correcting the traffic problems associated with crossing the bridge. Several joint meetings, spanning more than a decade, sought public input and the decision was made to replace the bridge adjacent to and south-west of the existing structure. The public was informed of the decision in the Summer of 2011 via a public meeting and materials and some aesthetics were discussed, however no visible strides were taken to begin the project.

According to TDOT officials, the environmental documentation process had to be completed before any other action would be taken. Mark Nagi, Community Relations Officer for Region 1 with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, stated this week that the technical studies have been completed and approved, as is applicable by the appropriate state and federal agencies, and the environmental document has been sent to the Federal Highway Administration and awaits final approval. Nagi said that once the final approval is received from FHWA and the Right of Way funds are authorized it is expected to take around one year to acquire the necessary Right of Way and finalize construction plans for the project.