County rejects extra costs for lighting, returns Edgemoor Road improvements to TDOT
The Tennessee Department of Transportation may widen part of Edgemoor Road, but it may not add lights to all of the improved area.
While the Anderson County Commission initially wanted street lighting as part of the project, it is reconsidering due to the high costs charged by the state and contractor. The county now plans to pay for lights only near crosswalks or signalized intersections, avoiding additional costs for other areas.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank said the County Commission voted in 2021 to request street lighting for Edgemoor Road as part of the contract with TDOT.
At that time, Frank said they knew they would need to provide local funds.
However, the contract ultimately charged Anderson County $239,640 for project engineering and environmental studies, with local construction costs amounting to $2,396,370.
“This was more than Anderson County had anticipated, so ultimately, with no other source of funding available, we surrendered the contract back to TDOT,” Frank stated.
Commissioner Tracy Wandell expressed dissatisfaction with the situation at the commission’s August meeting.
“I believe the state should, when they build a brand-new road, ensure it includes safety measures such as lighting,” he said. “I don’t think it should be the taxpayers’ responsibility to cover these costs. I’m not in favor of putting the people on the hook for $2 million.”
The Anderson County Commission unanimously passed a resolution at its August meeting to return State Route 170/Edgemoor Road project to TDOT, and authorized reaching out to TDOT to restart lighting discussions.
Commissioner Michael Foster made the motion, and Commissioner Sabra Beauchamp seconded it.
The existing roadway along SR 170 between State Route 62 and State Route 9 (U.S. 25 West) is a two-lane road with turn lanes at some intersections.
Frank said TDOT plans to increase the number of travel lanes to four 12-foot lanes and provide either a raised median or a center turn lane, along with replacing the bridge over the Clinch River.
Several intersections along the corridor will also see improvements, including realignment, reconfiguration, and addition of turning lanes.
Current plans also include a sidewalk and shared-use path for non-motorized uses.
“The planned improvements are designed to enhance safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the corridor,” Frank said.
