Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined state and local leaders June 15 for the official opening of two newly completed sections of Vietnam Veterans Boulevard (SR 386) in Sumner County. The roadway now provides a direct link from Interstate 65 to Highway 109 in Gallatin.

“The opening of these two segments of SR 386 will have a huge impact on Gallatin, and the thousands of people who commute to and from Nashville everyday,” said Nicely. “To see this all come together ahead of schedule is the perfect example of what we can accomplish when TDOT and a contractor work in harmony.”

At 3 p.m., Nicely, Sen. Diane Black, Reps. Mike McDonald, Debra Maggart and Susan Lynn, Sumner County Executive Hank Thompson, Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves, and Hendersonville Mayor Scott Foster cut the ribbon on the new roadway. Representatives from local emergency agencies lead the way as the road was opened to traffic.

The new section of SR 386 was constructed in two separate projects. One of the projects was completed more than four months ahead of schedule, allowing both sections of roadway to be open simultaneously.

Wright Bros. Construction Co. of Charleston, Tenn., completed grading and bridge work on SR 386 from just east of the relocated Station Camp Creek Road to east of Harris Lane in a $9.2 million contract.

Rogers Group had the other three contracts:

• a $30.9 million contract to widen U.S. 31 East from Saundersville Road to Station Camp Creek Road

• a $6 million contract to pave SR 386 from Big Station Camp Boulevard to Harris Lane

• a $5.9 million contract to pave SR 386 from Saundersville Road to Station Camp Creek Road.

The newly opened roadway stretches from just west of Saundersville Road to Highway 109, and includes interchanges at Station Camp Creek Road and Harris Lane.

“The extension of SR 386 has long been a priority of mine, and I’m so pleased to see this road open to traffic,” said Black. “I applaud TDOT and the contractor for delivering this much needed project.”

Construction of this leg of the SR 386 extension project began in 2003, at a cost of more than $51 million.

“This is an exciting day for Sumner County and the city of Gallatin,” McDonald said. “The SR 386 extension will allow this area to accommodate the tremendous growth we’ve seen over last several years. It will also provide better access for tourists exploring the many beautiful features of Sumner County.”

Final detail construction work will continue on the project for the next several weeks, but will be conducted during off-peak travel hours and at night.

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