Improvements to the I-40 and State Route 109 Interchange Ramp Eases Congestion
LEBANON, TN. – The City of Lebanon and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) worked together to implement needed signal improvements to the I-40 and Highway 109 Interchange Ramp resulting in reduced congestion for residents.
“We are consistently looking for ways to improve our roadways and provide greater levels of driver comfort. As Lebanon continues to grow, our dedicated Engineering Department is focused on studying potential problem areas and working on solutions that meet our changing needs,” said Mayor Bernie Ash. “After these improvements were installed, we began receiving positive feedback from the community that residents were experiencing significant decreases in southbound traffic, particularly during the morning rush hours.”
The City of Lebanon studied the signalized intersection of State Route 109 at I-40 westbound ramps to see what infrastructure improvements could help decrease travel delays and improve safety. The City collected turning movement count data and acquired the consulting services of traffic engineering consultant, Barge Design Solutions, to model various options to determine which improvements would be most efficient and cost-effective.
One of the proposed recommendations from the study was to install a right turn signal for the southbound right turn movement from SR 109 onto westbound I-40 along with improvements to the channelization island and lane delineation. Based on the model and preliminary analysis, the level of service and delays indicated significant improvements if these changes were made. The model indicated that during the morning peak hours the overall intersection delay would decrease by 42% and the queue for the southbound right turn onto I-40 would decrease by 67%.
With support from TDOT, the City of Lebanon proceeded with the study’s recommendations for operational improvements including extending the on-ramp channelization for southbound turning movements which allows for increased utilization of the ramp. TDOT Region 3 partnered on the project to install a concrete island and provide traffic control. In addition, the City modified the traffic signal and installed pavement markings and delineators.
“In the Engineering Department, we always say that it is great to see a plan come together. Kristen Rice, our Traffic and Transportation Engineer, did a phenomenal job teaming with TDOT to bring these improvements to fruition. We are all very excited about how well it has worked to help ease congestion for our residents,” said Regina Santana, Engineering Services Director.
For more information, please contact Regina Santana, Engineering Services Director for the City of Lebanon, by email at regina.santana@lebanontn.org or phone at (615)444-3647 ext. 2302.