Work is underway on Cove Lake bridges; traffic slowdowns ahead

A TDOT construction project that began last week runs through at least July

This work is on the south Cove Lake bridge, nearest I-75, on the Jacksboro side of the bridge.

CARYVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Crews with Jones Brothers Contractors are repairing the bridges that span Cove Lake on Hwy 25W (State Route 9) and Hwy 63. The repairs are both underneath, from a barge, and on top of the bridges on the decks. The first step is the underneath repairs followed by deck repairs. The deck repairs, the second step, are what will actually affect us, and it will force lane closures with traffic down to one lane in each direction.

Work on the Cove Lake bridge project started last week.

This job was awarded to Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC, for $3,583,751.25, and it includes bridges at log miles 31.35 and 31.79, according to Mark Nagi, TDOT Regional Communications Officer for Region 1.

This photo is at the south bridge looking back toward the dam at Cove Lake.

Work began last week by crews putting up construction signs, and they are now putting the barge in place to work underneath the bridge. This job is to be completed on or before July 31, 2024 per the contract pending any unforeseen, excusable delays.

Construction signs have been posted near the bridges. This Charlie Hutson photo is of the first bridge traveling east from I-75,  just as you pass the Ridge Road turn off. This work is on the Jacksboro end of the bridge.

“When the contractor moves to the top to work on the bridge decks, the motoring public will be reduced to one lane in each direction until completion of the project,” said Nagi.

TDOT vehicles will routinely be in the area around the construction sites.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares this close view of the barge.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/23/2024-6AM)