Engineering reports signal projects, lane work and traffic software shifts; stormwater budget steady

Paul (Engineering) briefed the committee on engineering, traffic operations and stormwater activities. He said the department completed signal-timing and infrastructure work on State Route 96 and that the city is rolling out protected left-turn phasing and other safety features at multiple intersections. A committee member praised the “blinking left-turn signals,” saying they improved traffic flow.

Paul and staff described an opportunity to add lanes on the east side of the interstate by converting shoulders into additional through or turn lanes; the estimated preliminary cost discussed was about $100,000 if done using hydroblasting instead of a full mill-and-overlay, though staff said final cost depends on Tennessee Department of Transportation permitting and requirements.

On other projects, staff said they are readying materials purchases and permitting with TDOT on key intersections (including Lewisburg Pike and Donaldson Creek) and that contractors are being authorized to procure materials. Staff signaled an October construction target for a traffic project contingent on utility relocations and materials availability.

Engineering staff said some annual maintenance costs for traffic signal controllers and central systems are moving to the city’s IT department budget. For capital, engineering is carrying funding forward for project-management software evaluation.

Stormwater staff described their MS4 permit responsibilities, monthly inspections of construction sites, public outreach and school education programs. The stormwater section anticipates a modest operations increase mainly for scheduled computer replacements; it had no program enhancements requested for FY‑26.

Ending: Committee members requested timelines and said they wanted public updates when TDOT permitting and materials procurement set firm schedules; staff said they will provide project schedules as they become available.