The Murfreesboro City Council has approved an amended Design Contract Agreement with SEC Inc. that paves the way for a preliminary and final design services contract not to exceed $610,000 for widening Brinkley Road from Hwy 96 to Manson Pike. The widening of 2.1 miles of roadway near Blackman High School would also include three lane curb and gutter, a bridge over Overall Creek and sanitary sewer design. The improvement also includes reconstruction of Blaze Dr. from Brinkley to Blackman High School.

A previous contract for improving Brinkley road had been put on hold due to the economy.

"We are eager to get started on this critical improvement project," said City Engineer Chris Griffith. "Brinkley Road is a busy crossroad from Hwy 96 to Manson Pike and getting busier with the expanding growth of the Blackman area.

Councilman Doug Young said one of the biggest complaints councilmembers receive deal with traffic congestion. Councilman Rick LaLance suggested the City Engineer look for additional opportunities at small intersection improvements to eliminate traffic problems. Smaller projects like these can be achieved more quickly by the City without state funding.

Council also approved similar design studies for improvements to Jones Blvd. from Ridgely Rd. to Northfield Blvd. and St. Clair Street from Memorial Blvd. to Walnut St.

Another project similar to the Brinkley improvement that would widen a section of State Route (SR) 96 between Overall Creek and Veterans Parkway is scheduled for bid later this year. A full TDOT backlog list is available at this link: https://www.tdot.tn.gov/ProjectNeeds/Images/documents/Backlog-Projects-for-11-9-15.pdf

In February 2015, the Murfreesboro City Council approved agreements between the City of Murfreesboro, Swanson Developments, LP and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for funding associated with the widening of State Route (SR) 96. The section of Hwy 96 was slated for widening to five lanes amid the development of a new Kroger on the northeast corner of SR 96 and Veterans Parkway.

In December 2014, the Planning Commission approved a site plan for Kroger with a condition that the company was required to improve SR 96 to facilitate site access or contribute funding to an improvement project. Kroger deposited $500,000 to be applied to this improvement.

As part of the agreement, Swanson Developments, LP agreed to contribute $250,000 to TDOT towards reconstruction of SR 96 to a five lane roadway between Overall Creek and Veterans Parkway, including reconstruction of the bridge over Overall Creek. Under the agreement, $750,000 in local funding will be matched with approximately $2.8 million in State funds. No City funds will be required for the project.

This improvement project is listed in the City's 2025 Major Thoroughfare Plan and is part of both TDOT's and the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Long Range Transportation Plan.