By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—In a day that many thought would never come, state and local officials joined today to break ground for the widening of State Hwy. 641 into a five-lane highway.
The $26M, 2.7-mile project will widen Hwy. 641 from two lanes to five lanes from near Rison Street to Smith Road. The project also includes a curb and gutter section throughout most of the nearly three miles. The project is set to be completed in November 2020.
Speaking at today’s groundbreaking was Deputy Governor Jim Henry, TDOT Commissioner John Schroer, State Rep. Tim Wirgau, State Sen. John Stevens, Henry County Mayor Brent Greer and Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell.
Greer said, “This is going to make a great difference for us and it’s great to know that Henry County boys are going to be building the road,” a nod to the J.R. Hayes Co. of Paris, which was awarded the contract.
Jerry Hayes, Matt Hayes, and David “Tater” Hayes were on hand for the groundbreaking, along with several employees.
Schroer thanked Governor Bill Haslam, state legislators, including Wirgau and Stevens for the passage of the IMPROVE act which makes the project possible. “This project has been needed in the state. What makes our state successful are good solid roads that connect our communities. And we like to pay for our roads in cash and the IMPROVE act allows us to do that.”
Schroer said, “Good roads bring jobs, education and the things that a growing community needs.”
Henry said the road will improve safety and mobility in our area. “It will also help the connectivity between Tennessee and Kentucky, which benefits the entire region.”
Several speakers credited Wirgau and his hard work with the project finally becoming a reality, but Wirgau said, “I give credit to the county and city mayors past and present and the citizens of Henry County. It just warms me to have local companies working on it.”
Gerrell said, “We talk about teamwork in Henry County and this is a great example of it.”
Other state and local officials on hand included city and county commissioners, City Manager Kim Foster, City Economic Director Jennifer Morris, Industrial Committee CEO David Hamilton, TDOT and TDEC staff, and a representative of Congressman Kustoff’s office.
Photos: State and local officials and Jerry Hayes of Hayes Construction breaking ground; Stevens, Greer and Henry; Wirgau speaking with Tater and Matt Hayes.(McFarlin photos)
Speaking at today’s groundbreaking was Deputy Governor Jim Henry, TDOT Commissioner John Schroer, State Rep. Tim Wirgau, State Sen. John Stevens, Henry County Mayor Brent Greer and Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell.
Greer said, “This is going to make a great difference for us and it’s great to know that Henry County boys are going to be building the road,” a nod to the J.R. Hayes Co. of Paris, which was awarded the contract.
Jerry Hayes, Matt Hayes, and David “Tater” Hayes were on hand for the groundbreaking, along with several employees.
Schroer thanked Governor Bill Haslam, state legislators, including Wirgau and Stevens for the passage of the IMPROVE act which makes the project possible. “This project has been needed in the state. What makes our state successful are good solid roads that connect our communities. And we like to pay for our roads in cash and the IMPROVE act allows us to do that.”
Schroer said, “Good roads bring jobs, education and the things that a growing community needs.”
Henry said the road will improve safety and mobility in our area. “It will also help the connectivity between Tennessee and Kentucky, which benefits the entire region.”
Several speakers credited Wirgau and his hard work with the project finally becoming a reality, but Wirgau said, “I give credit to the county and city mayors past and present and the citizens of Henry County. It just warms me to have local companies working on it.”
Gerrell said, “We talk about teamwork in Henry County and this is a great example of it.”
Other state and local officials on hand included city and county commissioners, City Manager Kim Foster, City Economic Director Jennifer Morris, Industrial Committee CEO David Hamilton, TDOT and TDEC staff, and a representative of Congressman Kustoff’s office.
Photos: State and local officials and Jerry Hayes of Hayes Construction breaking ground; Stevens, Greer and Henry; Wirgau speaking with Tater and Matt Hayes.(McFarlin photos)