Franklin approves $560,782 county-shared study for potential north interchange

Franklin City Council on May 4 approved an interlocal agreement to share the cost of a professional-services study for a potential north interchange.

City staff presented the agreement and said the contract is a not-to-exceed $560,782. The county indicated it would commit to pay half the cost; the study was described as strictly preliminary and not a commitment to build. City staff said the professional-services phase will take about 18 months to complete and that additional approvals would be required before any construction could proceed.

City Attorney Lynn Gray introduced the item and described the process needed to be considered for interchange funding and listing; she said the county and the Regional Development Commission had approved or recommended funding for the study. Kevin Walls, identified as representing the county commissioners in the meeting record, was noted as supporting a one-half cost share.

Council members moved and seconded the interlocal agreement and approved it by voice vote. No specific construction timeline or subsequent funding commitments were made at the meeting; staff said the study will return to the council for further review when complete.

Next steps: HWC will proceed with the study under the interlocal agreement; staff will present findings to the council upon completion of the 18-month study.