NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined state and local leaders today to announce the award of a $219,374 transportation enhancement grant to the town of Clarksburg for the Highway 22 Streetscape project.
The project will create a more pedestrian friendly environment along Highway 22 by constructing approximately 2,000 linear feet of new sidewalks between Murphy Road and the Post Office. A new crosswalk will be provided at the intersection of Clarksburg Road and Highway 22 to provide a safer means for pedestrians to cross the five-lane highway.
New signs with flashing lights will also be installed to warn motorists of the crosswalk.
“These enhancements will connect the residents with retail, school, and the municipal facilities via a system of safer walkways,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased the state is able to support this effort to improve walkability in the city of Clarksburg.”
“I’m pleased to see this project move forward with help from the state,” said Senator Lowe Finney. “Clarksburg currently has no sidewalk system so this is an important step in their effort to create a more inviting downtown that encourages all citizens to partake in more active lifestyles.”
Representative Curtis Halford also supported the project.
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded approximately $223 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said Nicely. “Established by Congress in the early 1990’s, the program supports activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”
A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.