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County approves design change for Walnut Grove Road widening, pushes construction to 2028
Summary
Shelby County commissioners recommended a $165,859 contract with Butchart Horn, Inc. to revise design for Walnut Grove Road from four lanes (with later expansion) to an immediate six‑lane build; county engineer said design revisions take about 90 days, right‑of‑way work 12–18 months and construction could begin circa 2028.
Shelby County officials on April 22 recommended approval of a $165,859 single‑source engineering contract to revise plans for the Walnut Grove Road Widening Project, moving from a phased four‑lane expansion to an immediate six‑lane alignment.
County Engineer Daren Sanders told commissioners the work covers roughly a one‑mile section between Rocky Point and Houston Levee and includes an oversized median to accommodate future lanes. Sanders said the department currently has phased drawings but wants the original design engineer of record to revise plans now so construction and right‑of‑way acquisition can proceed in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
"It would take about 90 days to complete this design change," Sanders said, and he estimated 12 to 18 months to secure right‑of‑way, with construction starting around 2028 and taking approximately two years due in part to a bridge at Grace Creek.
Commissioners raised timing questions; Sanders said the city of Memphis had canceled a related de‑annexation project that had been intended to coordinate a later phase, prompting the county to accelerate the change. Sanders added that Butchart Horn is a local firm and the county selected the engineer of record to update and certify the six‑lane plans.
The committee voted to send the contract forward with a favorable recommendation. The item, as presented, funds design services; Commissioner comments indicated future funding and coordination with TDOT will shape the actual construction schedule and budget.
