Traffic Light Prep To Begin Next Week

Construction is expected to start next week on the intersection of Hwy 92 and Dumplin Valley, according to Town of Dandridge Administrator Bryan McCarter. The construction is in preparation for a traffic light that is expected to ease congestion in the heavily trafficked area which was revealed to have a significantly high accident rate in recent Tennessee Department of Transportation studies. APAC Harrison will be doing the construction for the Town and it is expected to take approximately one month for the grade work to be completed, if no major issues arise. Jefferson County partnered with the Town of Dandridge to provide the fiscal support needed for road improvements to acquire a traffic light at the intersection, with the understanding that Dandridge will take point on the issue. Both the County and the Town of Dandridge, as well as the school system, expressed concern for the safety of citizens and students due to increased traffic in the area. Tennessee Department of Transportation will install the traffic light through a grant program. Though the Town’s responsibilities in readying the intersection for the signal light should be complete in early summer, it is likely that the signal installation will be delayed until well after school returns to session in August. McCarter stated that TDOT has given an initial hang date for the light as early winter 2014, however he has hopes that recent accidents in the area will spur a faster installation, though it is unlikely that the project will be completed before Thanksgiving 2013. The kick off day for construction is slotted the Tuesday following Memorial Day.