A few years ago, I was involved in a program serving members of the Guard and Reserve. I can’t remember exactly what we were working on at the time, but it had a successful outcome.
One of the people on the team said, “it’s amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit.” I am not sure that is a mantra that should be universally applied.
A few years ago, I went to work on getting TDOT to address the dangerous underpass on Raccoon Valley Road. Bill Dunn, who was a state representative at the time, was receptive to the project and pitched in. TDOT set up cameras to see what was going on.
As a result, they added reflective markings, made the underpass one lane and designated this a yield roadway section. Most all the traffic now cooperates, and it is gratifying to see the courtesy of drivers there.
Fast forward to last fall. The triangle markings to indicate where vehicles were to stop at the yield sign were worn off. I called the local TDOT office and was directed to a young man named Andy Padgett. (At 73+ I feel comfortable addressing others as young). I told him about the need to repaint the triangles.
He said he would get it done as soon as he could free up a paint crew. It was done in two weeks. While I had him on the phone, I took advantage of the opportunity.
I told him of my idea for improving traffic flow at I-75 and Emory Road. I had observed that it might be possible to add a third lane on the east bound side to allow for a lane designated as a turn lane onto I-75 South. Andy looked it up on a map and said it looked like a possibility. It appeared there was enough space in the median to add a third lane, thus giving two lanes going straight and one designated for right turn only.
He told me it would be spring before they could do it if the plan were deemed practical.
I called Andy earlier this week to follow up. He told me that they were going to do it soon. It’s just a question of getting the paint crew lined up. Of course, in 2024 work is supposed to begin on a complete facelift for that intersection. But in the meantime, we should have a little congestion relief.
Give credit to Andy and many others who are often overlooked. They provide valuable service to the community.
Dan Arp is retired and lives in Heiskell.