Chattanooga, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local officials today to celebrate the official opening of the recently-completed SR-52 construction project in Celina, Tenn.

The newly-completed project is a 3.2-mile segment of new SR-52 from west of existing SR-53 to existing SR-52.  The new roadway is a four-lane divided highway, and the contractor for the $24.3‑million project is Bizzack Construction, LLC, from Lexington, Kentucky.  The original contract completion date was September 30, 2014, but the contractor completed the project in late October 2013, nearly a year early. 

“State Route 52 is an important route in the Clay and Overton county region,” said Commissioner Schroer. “ I am pleased to be here today to join our state and local partners in celebrating the early completion of this impressive project.” 

Work began on the complex project in March 2011.  The project required extensive excavation, cuts and fills.  It included removal of 3.3 million cubic yards of material, which is the rough equivalent of filling up 412,500 triple-axle dump trucks.  The tallest cut on the project was approximately 143 feet, and the deepest fill was approximately 242 feet. 

The newly completed section of SR-52 will make driving safer, faster and easier for those who use this route to travel between Celina and Livingston. 

For travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 5‑1‑1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511. 

Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways.  The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.  The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go!  by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.