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TDOT outlines SR‑6 (East Main) Harpath River bridge replacement; Franklin leaders press on pedestrian access during construction
Summary
TDOT presented plans to replace the nearly 100‑year‑old SR‑6 bridge with a four‑span structure that widens the hydraulic opening, adds bike lanes and wider sidewalks, and targets completion in mid‑2028; the agency said one lane can be kept open each direction during work but admitted sidewalks will be closed during phases and committed to outreach and transit coordination.
Tennessee Department of Transportation officials updated Franklin aldermen on the State Route 6 (East Main Street) bridge replacement over the Harpath River and described design, schedule, and traffic impacts.
John Story, TDOT region director of project management, said the existing six‑span bridge is approaching its 100th birthday and no longer meets modern design specifications. TDOT plans to replace it with a four‑span bridge, widen the river opening to reduce upstream floodplain impacts, add 3.5‑foot bike lanes and 6.5‑foot sidewalks on each side, and include decorative rail and pedestrian‑scale lighting appropriate for downtown Franklin. The project is in the agency’s advertising schedule with a letting on June 26; TDOT expects contractor mobilization in August–September and a completion date targeted around July 31, 2028.
TDOT acknowledged construction will be disruptive in a constrained downtown corridor but said it can keep one travel lane open in each direction for most of the work. "We can keep one lane open in each direction," Aaron Ziegler, TDOT communications officer, said, while noting some temporary full‑bridge closures and river closures will be required. River closures will not be scheduled on weekends and the agency will provide at least two weeks’ notice.
Board members pressed TDOT on pedestrian access during construction because portions of the bridge will not have room for sidewalks during work. Alderman Brown and others asked about shuttle service, temporary pedestrian crossings and enforcement of commercial vehicle restrictions. TDOT said it will coordinate with the Franklin Transit Authority, local businesses and event organizers, provide media advisories before major phase shifts and work with city staff on outreach to nearby institutions such as schools and churches.
TDOT also noted load limits are currently at 28 tons and said replacement will restore long‑term capacity so emergency vehicles and school buses can continue to use the route. The agency said the new geometry should improve traffic flow through downtown while preserving the historic character of the area with context‑sensitive design treatments.
TDOT offered to host an informational public meeting in late June and follow with a fall press release summarizing impacts, outreach contacts and detour plans.
