AASHTO Journal, 28 September 2012
Tennessee Department of Transportation has completed its State Route 840 project and will be opening the roadway up for one day to bicyclists for a celebratory event.
The newly completed SR 840 connects Davidson, Wilson, Rutherford, Williamson, Hickman, and Dickson counties across the middle southern portion of the state. The roadway will provide access to Interstate 40 (east and west of Nashville), Interstate 65, and Interstate 24 and stretches 78 miles. Roughly 12 miles will remain closed until small finishing touches on the roadway are complete, which should be done by November.
“State Route 840 will provide thousands of motorists with enhanced transportation options and will increase economic development opportunities for all of the communities along the route,” said Gov. Bill Haslam in a statement. “I’m excited to be a part of this special event to celebrate the completion of this highway.”
To celebrate the project’s completion, TDOT is hosting a free event on Saturday, Oct. 13, where it encourages citizens to come out and ride on the newly completed roadway. “Enjoy the Ride!” will feature live music and several different bike routes along the 78-mile route for people of all skill levels to enjoy. TDOT encourages people to take advantage of the opportunity, as this will be the only occasion cyclists are invited to ride on the highway.
Several routes have been identified, ranging from a four-mile, family friendly route to much longer and tougher routes. Interested participants must register the morning of the event. Registration will open at 8 a.m. at the intersection of SR 840 and Carters Creek Pike in Thompson’s Station. Gov. Haslam will speak at 9:30 a.m. and the rides are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Additional information on the event is available at bit.ly/SR840Tenn.