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Following TDOT meeting, deadline extended for comments on local I-69 interchange
BIRDSEYE VIEW –Fulton County Judge/Executive Jim Martin and Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn were among the near 200 area residents in attendance for a March 20 public meeting, sponsored by TDOT. The meeting focused on information relating to the I-69 Interchange, which will connect Kentucky and Tennessee. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell)
LOCAL TDOT CONNECTION – Blake Johnson, a 2019 graduate of South Fulton High School, a 2024 graduate of University of Tennessee at Martin and now working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, TDOT, was one of TDOT’s representatives present for the March 20 public meeting held at SFHS. Johnson, who completed his studies to become a civil engineer, applied for a position with TDOT following graduation, and will be employed in a two-year rotation within various aspects of the department. Currently, he is rotating into the design aspect of TDOT, which was the reason for his presence at the public meeting. Johnson said he believes his favorite in the rotation will be the construction phase of this I-69 project, set to get underway in 2028. Johnson spoke with South Fulton resident Ted Barclay during the public meeting, about the plans for the proposed interchange. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell)
One hour in to the March 20 Public Meeting hosted by Tennessee Department of Transportation at South Fulton High School, approximately 150 people had entered the school gym to hear about the proposed interchange re-configuration project which will connect less than two miles in length and cross the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, ultimately connecting the proposed I-69 in Tennessee, currently known as US51, with the proposed interstate 69 in Kentucky, now known as the Purchase Parkway.
The preferred Alternative generally follows US 51 alignment, creating a new sweeping curve to the east near State Line Road, and reconstructs the US 51/US 45E/US 45W interchange.
The meeting was held to provide the public with an opportunity to offer comments regarding the proposed interchange re-configuration project.
Representatives of TDOT, as well as the District 1 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were on hand to provide information and answer questions, as those in attendance were able to view depictions of the new configuration, a project which will commence construction in 2028.
The design phase of the project development process is underway for the improvement to the I-69 Corridor, from just west of the US 51/US 45E/US 45 interchange to near the western ramps of Exit 1 of the Purchase Parkway at the US 51/Nolan Avenue interchange. The proposal will improve connectivity and advance the conversion of the US 51 to I-69, with this segment.
The modifications proposed include design features which includes I-69 four lane divided section with raised concrete median barrier, new bridges over State Rout 215 (US 45E) and West State Line. It will also include a two-lane section with 11’ lanes, 6’ shoulders and curb and gutter on West State Line Street. State Route 215 (US 45 E/US 51) will have three roundabouts and dedicated right turn lane at the school.
The project is being led by TDOT, in partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).Written comments may be submitted by April 11, 2025, to the following address: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation. Suite 700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0332. All written comments will become part of the official meeting record.The public meeting presentation, comment sheet, and contact information can be found on the project website at: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/interstate-69-corridor.html
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