Federal, state and local officials gathered in Polk County, Tennessee Thursday to celebrate the completion of the US 64 (SR 40) bridge replacement project over the Ocoee River.
The bridge, a three-span, steel I-beam bridge on a new alignment to the north of the existing bridge, had been under construction since September 2020. The new bridge is approximately 600-feet long with two 12-foot travel lanes, a dedicated center turn lane, and 10-foot shoulders, that will accommodate widening in the future if needed. The project also included improvements to the intersection at Hildabrand Road and Welcome Valley Road.
“We are pleased to celebrate the completion of this important project with our federal, state and local partners and the citizens of Polk County,” Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley said. “This project will improve traffic flow along US 64 and enhance the safety of residents in the community.”
The new structure was completed using the design-build method that combines all or some portions of the design and construction phases of the project into a single contract. TDOT uses the design-build concept to expedite delivery and streamline design processes on some of its larger projects. The new bridge is a signature bridge and was designed with visually appealing features like the Ocoee River emblem, rock finishes, an aesthetic bridge rail and lighting.
Officials estimate the project costs $14 million. The contractor for the project was Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc.