Jackson City Council approves funding for road repairs, improvements
This video is no longer available.
JACKSON, Tenn.–Wet weather forced the city of Jackson to approve nearly $1 million in funding for road repairs. City council members also agreed to spend more than $1 million on street improvements Tuesday. Barricades block off a section of Carriage House Drive where the street is caving in. Wendy Smith owns a business nearby. “(We’ve been) here like 5-6 years and it started kind of little, but now it’s getting worse,” she said. The Jackson City Council approved approximately $960,000 in funding Tuesday that will pay to replace washed out culverts across the city. “The more rain we have, the faster they deteriorate and the more quickly we need to get out there and replace them,” City Engineer Scott Chandler said. Council members also approved more than $1 million in funding for improvements like paving, widening, and lanes on five different streets. City leaders said it is important for safety and critical for growth. “Promote smooth traffic flow through intersections, safe intersection(s),” Mayor Jerry Gist said. “Instead of having one left turn lane now you have two, move more traffic out.” “I know the dollar amount seems like a lot, but I think in the long run I think it’ll all balance out,” Councilman Johnny Dodd said. Drivers are glad to hear about the improvements. “It’s going to be awesome to see the city back on track again,” driver Caroline Arinze said. “It’s gonna be wonderful, wonderful we like that,” Smith said. Chandler said they are trying to prioritize projects and get to them before the rain returns. Gist said if they do not spend all of the money making repairs, that money will go back into the fund balance.
