Franklin County drivers traveling into Coffee County should plan for two construction-related detours this week under closure schedules announced by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
At Interstate 24 Exit 117, TDOT scheduled the westbound entrance ramp from Wattendorf/AEDC Highway to close at 7 p.m. Central on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. The ramp is expected to reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
The weeklong ramp closure allows construction crews to prepare for the project’s second phase. TDOT says a signed detour will direct drivers around the affected entrance ramp. Drivers approaching I-24 from AEDC Highway should allow extra time and follow the posted route.
A separate project involves a much longer closure on State Route 127, also known as Hillsboro Viola Road. TDOT scheduled the bridge at log mile 9.76 in Coffee County to close beginning Monday, Oct. 12, for replacement. That closure is expected to remain in place through summer 2027.
The SR 127 work is part of a $5.13 million contract with Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC, to replace two bridges over Bradley Creek and complete related grading, drainage and paving. The second bridge is at log mile 6.21. The overall project is scheduled for completion in summer 2028.
For the SR 127 closure, TDOT’s signed detour uses U.S. 41/Hillsboro Highway, SR 55/McMinnville Highway, SR 287/Morrison Viola Road and SR 108/Viola Road before returning to SR 127. Motorists should follow the directional signs for their side of the closure; TDOT has published detailed directions for both approaches.
Initial bridge-project work includes relocating utilities and the stream and preparing the work area before removal and replacement of the existing structure.
Both construction schedules depend on weather and other conditions. Drivers can check TDOT’s SmartWay traffic map before leaving or call 511 for statewide travel information.
Sources: TDOT: I-24 Exit 117 Ramp Closure; TDOT: SR 127 Bridge Closure and Detour Directions; TDOT SmartWay Traffic Map.
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