The road construction and rearrangement of traffic flow in front of Three Star Mall kept motorists on their toes in 2023. Finally, the heavy moving looks to be completed soon. The project has focused on two intersection improvements and freeing up easier pedestrian travel and access as well.
The new traffic patterns and placement of lanes and lights have created some serious changes. With all change comes a need for patience and willingness to try new things. This is easier for some drivers than others. Rae Anne Bradley, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) community relations officer, says part of the project is creating a new road connecting Magness Drive to Bobby Ray Memorial Parkway/70S/State Route(SR) 1 and it will improve the connection from Sparta Street to SR 1.
These improvements include signalized intersections receiving new signals and poles, additional travel lanes and new sidewalks. More lanes and new drains have also been part of the improved infrastructure project. There will also be Americans with Disability (ADA) ramps and pedestrian crosswalks installed. SR 380 and the extension of Magness Drive will also have new sidewalks and ADA ramps.
Supply issues delayed the estimated completion date of October 2023. “The contractor has cited some supply chain issues and material shortages. We’re working with the contractor on this and reviewing schedules monthly to determine if any time extensions will be added to the contract,” said Bradley.
Nolan Ming, city administrator of McMinnville, is delighted to see the ambitious project getting closer to the finish line. “Overall, when complete, the projects combined will provide much safer and easier access to those traveling on foot or bicycle to the Three Star Mall area, the health department, the industrial park campus, the Robotics Center, Motlow and River Park Hospital,” said Ming.
Another benefit is there will be signalized crossings at the intersection of Hwy 70S and Magness Drive as well as at Sparta Street and the main Three Star Mall entrance. “This will fill a gap in our sidewalks in this section of Sparta Street and allow for much safer travel by pedestrians on foot or bicycle from downtown all the way out to Motlow, River Park Hospital and Champion Chevrolet,” Ming said.
The city-funded portion on Magness Drive will have a sidewalk connection from the end of the TDOT State Industrial Access (SIA) portion of work, near the entrance to Warren County Animal Control on Magness Drive to Vo-Tech Drive.
Paving looks nearly done in the area and lane lines are freshly painted. Gradually, drivers are getting used to the new lane changes and the different flow of traffic. The new light signals will take some adjusting to with their timing and synchronization as planners work the kinks out. This, combined with the big changes at the county-owned mall this year, promise more lessons in patience and practice. Like it or not, McMinnville is moving headlong into the future.
