Motorists exit off U.S. Highway 27 onto Signal Mountain Boulevard. In the process of widening U.S. 27 between Manufacturer’s Road and Signal Mountain road, the Manning Street and Whitehall Road ramps will be closed.HOW TO COMMENT• Email TDOT.Comments@tn.gov.• Send written comments by Sept. 2 to:Project CommentsTennessee Department of TransportationSuite 700James K. Polk Building505 Deaderick St.Nashville TN 37423-0332
When the contract to widen U.S. Highway 27 from north of the Olgiati Bridge to Signal Mountain Boulevard goes out in October, it will contain a few surprises.
Commuters and business people who use the road daily have waited years for extra lanes and broader exits. But the plan for the $75 million project actually calls for shutting down exits at Manning Street and Whitehall Road — a fact that took some folks in the area by surprise.
“Really?” said Rena Buckles, standing next to a display of pet accessories and speaking over the sound of barking dogs at The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel. The business is just across Cherokee Boulevard from the Whitehall Road ramp.
“We like that we’re at the very bottom of the exit. Our customers can’t miss us,” said Buckles, The Ark’s manager.