NASHVILLE, TN — Joined by state and local leaders, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) marked the beginning of construction of the new State Route 109 Portland Bypass in Sumner County.
Awarded to Scotty’s Contracting & Stone for $88.9 million, the northern section of the project (Phase 1) will create a new segment of State Route 109 that will bypass the city of Portland, Tennessee. The new route is designed to improve safety and mobility along the entire SR 109 corridor, which serves as the primary north-south corridor between I-65 in Robertson and Sumner Counties and I-40 in Wilson County. It will also address concerns with local growth and increasing industrial traffic. Due to the General Assembly’s passage of the Transportation Modernization Act and the significant investment in transportation from the state’s General Fund, TDOT can budget for every phase of projects such as this in the 10-Year Plan.
“I am deeply grateful to have a Governor and state leaders who don’t just talk about progress — they build it,” TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said. “Their investment in infrastructure isn’t about roads and bridges alone; it’s about connecting families, strengthening communities, and making sure every Tennessean has the opportunity to thrive.”
Phase 1 of this project includes:
- Two travel lanes in each direction for 3.9 miles
- Partial folded diamond interchange at State Route 52
- Connector roads, including an extension of Kirby Drive to serve truck traffic
- Single-span bridge over College Street
- Widening of State Route 52 to five lanes near West Market Street to west of the State Route 52/Bypass interchange
- Sidewalks and signals
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“This much-needed project not only benefits our community by adding safety and access, but it also benefits the state and the flow of commerce," Portland Mayor Mike Callis said. "The Portland Bypass completes the Highway 109 corridor that connects I-40 to I-65 and will help alleviate congestion downtown. The team at TDOT has been a great partner through this process, and we look forward to its opening.”
Construction has already begun and is scheduled for completion in spring 2028. Right of way acquisition is currently underway for the southern portion (Phase 2) of the project, with construction expected to begin in fiscal year 2028.
