Motorists traveling north on Smithville Highway should expect delays in the Dibrell area. The bridge over Mountain Creek is currently down to one lane of traffic due to repairs being made on the bridge by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Traffic over the bridge is being maintained and controlled by a temporary signal for the safety of the public. Motorists should expect delays up to six minutes, according to a sign located near the bridge.
TDOT representative Jennifer Flynn said the expected completion date for the project is still over six months away. That completion date is May 31, 2014.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution and obey reduced speed limits in all TDOT work zones, regardless of lane closure activity.
The maximum six-minute red light is somewhat longer than local motorists are accustomed to when it comes to bridge repair. The Frank G. Clement Bridge, for example, had a maximum three-minute red when it was repaired several years ago.
The traffic lights are equipped with cameras that are intended to gauge traffic flow and adjust the lights accordingly.
The bridge is a $608,000 project being done by Simpson Construction of Cleveland. Bo Hoskins in the project supervisor.