Signalized and Widened Intersection Improvements Needed to Increase Capacity and Enhance Traffic Flow for Nearby Elementary School
The Murfreesboro City Council voted Jan. 16, 2025, to authorize agreement for a $4.865,978.05 million construction contract agreement with the lowest bidder, Hawkins & Price, LLC, for construction of improvements to the Burnt Knob/Manson Pike/Blackman Rd. intersection. The contract is pending legal review. City authorities conducted the bid opening this afternoon, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
A new County elementary school is under construction on Baker Rd. near the intersection.
A traffic impact study prepared for the Rutherford County School Board, and provided to the City in 2024, indicated “unacceptable delays” at the intersection would result with the construction of two new Rutherford County schools planned in the area. The County projects the future westside campus on the north side of Baker Road near Blackman Road to open a new elementary school by August 2025 and a new middle school in the future.
“With continued growth and traffic volumes on the west side of I-24 and the construction of a new County elementary school near the intersection of Baker Road and Blackman Road, these improvements are needed to increase capacity and help traffic flow to alleviate congestion,” said Public Infrastructure Executive Director Chris Griffith. “The widening improvements conceptualize additional thru and turn lanes approaching a signalized intersection with pedestrian features.”
The planned design includes widening each approach to add left turn, right turn, and through lanes, along with the installation of a traffic signal. The awarded contract includes an allowance for an additional 5 percent to accommodate any unforeseen requirements and to ensure the project’s successful completion in a timely manner.
On April 11, 2024, the Murfreesboro City Council approved a professional services contract for $413,500 with Kimley Horn, Inc. to design needed improvements to the Burnt Knob/Manson Pike/Blackman Rd. intersection. Kimley Horn, Inc developed plans for the preliminary and final design to widen the intersection. The professional services contract, including design and right-of-way, is funded by reallocated FY21 CIP bond and loan proceeds from Butler Drive.
The scope of services under the professional services contract between the City and Kimley Horn Inc. included Project Management, Existing Conditions Survey, Traffic Study Review, Environmental Studies, Preliminary Design Services, Right-of-Way Design Services & Acquisition Services, Final Design Services, Environmental Permitting, Utility Coordination, and Bid Phase Services.
The roadway improvement is included in the City’s 2040 Major Transportation Plan and estimated construction costs are within the total project budget, funded by FY21 and FY25 CIP funds.
