Mack Hatcher project gets top priority

The Tennessean, February 17, 2009
Extension, widening plans see progress

FRANKLIN — The day Rebel Meadows homeowner Don Cates has alternately hoped for and dreaded is finally drawing near.
Cates, 53, is among more than a dozen homeowners along Hillsboro Road whose homes will be condemned to make way for the westward extension of Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway.
"Most everyone in the neighborhood has been here for 15 to 30 years," Cates said. "It's going to be a hard move for a lot of us."
An estimated $90.5 million project, the parkway's 7.5-mile extension has been discussed for decades without much progress.
But last week, city officials told state Department of Transportation officials the project was its No. 1 priority to receive state support as part of the federal stimulus money Tennessee will receive.
Meanwhile, state crews could begin work next year to widen a three-mile portion of the parkway between Highway 96 and Franklin Road as part of a separate project.
Process may begin soon
Franklin Mayor John Schroer emerged from a meeting with state road officials in Nashville last week optimistic that Franklin could begin condemning right-of-way land for the project in a few months' time.
"I don't expect there to be hurdles," Schroer said. "We owe it to our taxpayers to do this."
The city has about $300,000 for condemning property for the road's route.
Schroer stressed that large parcels needed for the road's construction still must be acquired.
"Nothing is as important as letting those people get on with their lives," Schroer said.
How quickly work begins after condemnation remains to be determined. To comply with federal guidelines, city officials submitted a list of road and water/wastewater projects they believe they can bid for construction within 180 days.
Since no federal funding is available, state road officials have discussed the option of the city buying land and being reimbursed later, said B.J. Doughty, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman.
Schroer said early indications from state leaders are that Mack Hatcher will not be a toll road. A feasibility study on the matter is being finalized.
"I think everybody is under the impression that it's not going to come back as a possible solution," Schroer said.
Project worries some
While city officials concentrate on the bigger extension of the road, state road planners are moving forward on widening a portion of Mack Hatcher to four lanes between Highway 96 and Franklin Road.
Right-of-way land acquisition for the three-mile portion could begin later this year with an estimated start date of 2010.
Construction on the project would likely take between 18 and 24 months to complete. State officials don't have firm cost estimates for the project.