News Summary
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin a significant construction project on Summer Avenue to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety. Set to start soon, this $69.4 million effort will widen Summer Avenue from four to six lanes, introduce bike lanes, and update essential infrastructure including bridges and traffic signals. Commuters should prepare for temporary lane closures and be informed about changes in traffic patterns as the project progresses over the next three years.
Memphis, TN – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is set to initiate a major construction project on Summer Avenue, beginning June 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. This multi-year effort is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing safety along a crucial stretch of roadway from near I-40 to north of Sycamore View Road. With a budget of $69.4 million, the project is scheduled to unfold over three years, with an anticipated completion date in mid-2028.
A key feature of the project is the widening of Summer Avenue from four lanes to six lanes. The new layout will include a center turn lane and dedicated bike lanes to improve accessibility for all users. To facilitate construction, traffic on Summer Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction, accompanied by a designated turn lane. Temporary lane closures, traffic shifts, and weekend intersection closures are expected to occur throughout the project’s duration.
Significant infrastructure improvements are also planned as part of this construction effort. Two bridges, one over the Wolf River and the other over Fletcher Creek, will be replaced due to identified seismic deficiencies. The new bridge over the Wolf River will feature a 12-foot multi-use path, allowing for better connectivity with enhancements to the Wolf River Greenway. Additionally, modifications at key intersections will include the addition of dual left turn lanes at both Bartlett Road and Sycamore View Road, which aims to streamline traffic flow.
The project will also focus on upgrading safety and operational efficiency through the installation of improved lighting and traffic signals at intersections with White Station Road, Bartlett Road/Shelby Oaks Drive, and Sycamore View Road. These enhancements are designed to facilitate not only smoother traffic movement but also increased visibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The need for the widening of Summer Avenue has been recognized since 1986, indicating decades of planning effort prior to this project. The congestion on Summer Avenue has reached critical levels, affecting daily commuters and local residents. As traffic patterns continue to evolve, this project aims to meet the growing demands on the roadway while promoting overall public safety.
Drivers who regularly travel along Summer Avenue are advised to prepare for disruptions during construction. It is expected that individuals may need to adjust their commuting schedules, potentially allowing for extra travel time to account for expected delays. The TDOT encourages all commuters to stay informed about the construction progress and to plan their routes accordingly.
This major construction initiative represents a significant investment in improving transportation infrastructure in Memphis. It reflects a commitment to addressing long-standing issues related to traffic congestion while enhancing safety for all who travel along Summer Avenue. As the project unfolds over the next three years, officials aim to keep the public informed about the progress and any changes to traffic patterns as the work develops.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: Summer Avenue Widening Project
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Local Memphis: Summer Avenue Widening Project
- Google Search: Summer Avenue Widening Project
- Action News 5: Summer Ave Drive-In Site Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infrastructure
- Hoodline: TDOT Kicks Off Summer Avenue Project
- Google News: Memphis Summer Avenue
- FOX13: Work Begins to Widen Section of Summer Avenue
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
