LACIE SILVA
Writer
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has awarded a long-awaited safety improvement project for one of Bedford County’s most hazardous intersections. A traffic signal and turning lanes are coming to the junction of U.S. 231 (State Route 10) and State Route 82 (Sawney Webb Memorial Highway), following years of community concern and recent tragedy.
The intersection, located near Bell Buckle, has long been the subject of public safety discussions. In May, the death of a Bell Buckle resident at the uncontrolled crossing renewed urgency for intervention. In response, TDOT awarded a $1.875 million contract to Tinsley Asphalt, a Franklin County-based contractor, to construct turn lanes and permanent traffic signals. Work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with full project completion targeted for May 31, 2026.
Because of ongoing supply chain delays impacting signal pole fabrication, TDOT plans to install temporary traffic signals as an interim measure. “We have heard from the Bell Buckle community about their concerns at this intersection and have been working hard to expedite this signalization project,” said Jay Norris, TDOT’s Regional Director. “Public safety is our most important value.”
Support from state leaders has been vocal. “This much-needed signalization plan will streamline traffic flow and help keep drivers safe in Bedford County,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh, R–Shelbyville. “I’m proud of the General Assembly’s commitment to improving roads in the Volunteer State.” Sen. Shane Reeves, R–Murfreesboro, echoed the sentiment, adding, “The safety of our roads is a top priority… I appreciate TDOT’s responsiveness to community concerns.”
Funding for the project is part of Governor Bill Lee’s most recent state budget, which included $80 million in recurring General Fund dollars for TDOT. A portion of that investment is allocated to the department’s Spot Safety Program, aimed at addressing high-risk intersections and corridors across Tennessee.
Despite these plans, local frustrations remain. Bell Buckle resident John Anderson spoke during public comments at a recent city board meeting, urging officials to push for stronger accountability. He called on Rep. Marsh to attend a future town hall and address the timeline and transparency surrounding the signalization project. “Because of the death of a Bell Buckle citizen last week at that uncontrolled intersection, it is entirely appropriate for the town to expect their representative to appear,” Anderson stated in a follow-up email.
No official state representatives attended the June 10 Bell Buckle Board meeting, but city officials remain hopeful that communication between state and local leadership will improve as the project progresses.
During the announcement portion of the Bedford County Commission meeting, Commissioner Greg Vick provided an update on the long-awaited traffic signal installation project. Vick introduced the topic by expressing his deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making the project a reality, emphasizing that after three years of effort, their hard work is finally paying off to create a safer intersection for local drivers. He noted that the $1.9 million project, led by Pat Marsh, will begin on June 23. As part of the initial phase, message boards and temporary traffic lights will be installed to help direct residents and prepare the area for the new permanent signal system.
In the meantime, TDOT reminds drivers to use caution, reduce speed, and remain patient when navigating through construction zones. While progress may take time, officials emphasize that safety improvements are actively underway—and that every step forward brings the county closer to preventing future loss of life.
