Contractor mobilizes on State Route 126 Improvement Project

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is announcing a contractor is mobilizing equipment in preparation for work connected to the State Route 126 (Memorial Boulevard) improvement project.

Due to the size of this project, TDOT has split the project into three phases, with phase one running from East Center Street to east of Briarwood Road.

East Tennessee Turf & Landscape began mobilizing equipment last week and will be installing traffic control measures in the near future. Silt fencing, check dams and other erosion control measures will be installed later this month to help prevent soil from washing off site.

In early to mid-April, the contractor will then begin clearing operations such as the clearing of trees, brush and other vegetation and debris from the areas used for the new roadway alignment.

At this time, TDOT does not anticipate significant lane closures or traffic impacts for several more weeks.

The State Route 126 project calls for improvements along the 8.3-mile stretch of Memorial Boulevard, from East Center Street to Interstate 81. The project is being done to provide a safe, efficient route for local traffic between Kingsport and I-81.

Once complete, SR126 will include four travel lanes from East Center Street to Harbor Chapel; three lanes from Harbor Chapel to Old Stage Road; three lanes from Old Stage Road to Harr Town Road in the vicinity of East Lawn Cemetery and Yancey’s Tavern; and two lanes from Harr Town Road to I-81.

Additionally, bike lanes and sidewalks will be constructed along portions of the corridor.

For more information or to receive updates about the State Route 126 project, please visit https://bit.ly/4rqfIUZ.