Widening project to close portion of Middle Tenn. Blvd. near MTSU for three weeks

The ongoing widening of Middle Tennessee Boulevard along the MTSU campus will require the section between East Main and Bell streets to be closed for about three weeks beginning Monday, June 12.

The closure is scheduled to last 21 days, with a planned reopening on Monday, July 3, according to the contractor.

Pedestrian traffic at Bell Street and East Main Street will not be affected, but if any work needs to happen in the Bell Street crosswalk, the contractor will have staff available to assist pedestrians.

The Bell Street entrance to MTSU will be closed to traffic entering campus but will be open for traffic leaving. The Faulkinberry Drive entrance to the campus will remain open.

Although part of Middle Tennessee Boulevard will remain open, drivers are encouraged to use detour routes during this time.

The 30-month, $15.7 million widening project will upgrade the .8-mile section of the thoroughfare between East Main and Greenland Drive. The city of Murfreesboro is overseeing the work, which is expected to be completed by fall 2018.

The enhancement will also include bike lanes, improved sidewalks and lighting, new traffic signals, decorative crosswalks and underground utilities.