Commissioners describe TDOT J-turn project and Highway 60 progress in district reports

Commissioner Blake and other commissioners used their district reports to brief the commission on forthcoming road work from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and local highway projects.

Commissioner Blake told the commission that TDOT presented plans for two projects: a J‑turn conversion at the intersection of 20th Street and Coe Avenue and a second J‑turn on 20th Street between Peerless Road and Georgetown. He said the TDOT presentation described eliminating left turns at those intersections and replacing them with right-turn-then-u‑turn movements (J‑turns). Blake said TDOT representatives told attendees the projects are funded and that construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Commissioner Winters reported progress on Highway 60 work in front of Cleveland Middle School and said the project’s first phase is substantially in place; he said some elevation issues remain under review and the project has experienced rain-related pauses. Commissioner Rogers and others said the J‑turns should improve safety at the busy commercial intersections cited by Blake, where several fast-food outlets and retail sites create high left-turn demand.

None of the district reports led to a formal county vote; commissioners presented the TDOT update as informational and noted local traffic-safety expectations and timing. The meeting record does not specify project contractors, final design details, or the local funding contributions, if any.

Commissioners also reminded residents of upcoming community events and road-related meetings hosted by TDOT and the Chamber of Commerce.