CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Two key road improvement project are in mid-construction in Clarksville this year, but they’ve both been put on hold because private utility companies are taking too long to move their lines out of the way.
Madison Street is being widened with additional turning lanes, and Whitfield Road is receiving a roundabout at Needmore Road. But both are behind schedule as they wait for AT&T and Charter Spectrum to move their utility lines, according to Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.
Pitts has expressed frustration that they won’t relocate the lines when asked to do so. “They consistently get in our way and delay road project construction. At a time when our community is growing and growing so fast and traffic is the No. 1 concern, we are trying to get these road projects built as quickly as we can.”
Whitfield Road roundabout
He said the Whitfield/Needmore roundabout is roughly 18 months behind. The project, first funded in the city’s 2020 budget, includes improvements to intersections with Tracy Lane and the 101st Airborne Division Parkway.
“This is a much-needed improvement,” Pitts said back in May 2019. “We want to hurry up and get this project designed and built.”
Charter Spectrum regional spokesperson Patti Michael told Clarksville Now that their teams completed work at Whitfield and Needmore in January. “It is my understanding another provider’s move is pending.”
Clarksville Now has reached out to AT&T for a response.
Once construction can resume, the project should be completed in 2024, the city has said.
Madison Street widening
The road project on Madison Street is being overseen by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and utility delays have been going on for over a year now, according to previous reports.
Michael said Charter/Spectrum is working to relocate their fiber and equipment and expects to be done in the last week of July.
AT&T has not responded to requests for comment.
MORE: From Whitfield roundabout to Memorial widening, updates on 10 road projects in Clarksville
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