Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for Murfreesboro Sidewalks on Mercury Boulevard
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer announced today the award of a $1,027,178 transportation alternative grant to the city of Murfreesboro for the Mercury Boulevard Sidewalk Project.
The project will provide a complete sidewalk linkage from SE Broad Street to Middle Tennessee Boulevard along Mercury Boulevard. All 7,200 feet of sidewalks will be ADA compliant, and will include pedestrian crosswalks at the signalized intersections along Mercury Boulevard.
Crossing push buttons pedestrian signal indicators will also enhance safety along the corridor.
“Murfreesboro has seen historic growth for the last several years, including a dramatic increase in traffic,” Haslam said. “This project will provide safe facilities for pedestrians, as well as a vital connection between other sections of sidewalks. I’m pleased the state can help with these improvements.”
The transportation alternative grant is made possible through a federally funded program formerly known as transportation enhancement, and is administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
“Through these grants, TDOT has funded more than $345 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”
A variety of activities, such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects, are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.
Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna), Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro), Rep. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), and Rep. Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro) represent Rutherford County in the Tennessee General Assembly.
