Spring Hill Diverging Diamond Interchange: A Transformative Project

The Buckner Extension project at the June Lake exit in Spring Hill, TN, represents a groundbreaking effort to enhance local infrastructure and support long-term community growth. This comprehensive initiative, executed in collaboration with TDOT and the City of Spring Hill, focuses on the construction of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) – only the second of its kind in Middle Tennessee.
 

Project at a Glance

• Location: Spring Hill, TN
• Client: TDOT & City of Spring Hill
• Partners: Bell Construction

About the Project

The first section of the project involves the installation of future interconnect and utilities along both sides of Buckner Road, from Buckner Lane to the interchange. Additionally, culvert lighting wall packs were installed in pedestrian culverts to support future development. The Diverging Diamond Interchange section includes the installation of streetlight poles, high mast light poles, and mast arms for signals. Future interconnect utilities are also installed along both sides of Buckner Road from Buckner Lane to the beginning of LIC2. The second section includes the installation of solar flasher beacons for advanced warning, a T-intersection signal with both single and dual arm poles, and future interconnect utilities along both sides of Buckner Road from the beginning of LIC2 to Lewisburg Pike.

Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI):

The heart of this project is the construction of the DDI, an innovative road design aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. Key features include:
Streetlighting: Installation of 73 streetlight poles to ensure well-lit pathways for drivers and pedestrians.
High Mast Lighting: Erection of 6 high mast light poles, providing extensive illumination for the interchange area.
Diverging Diamond Signals: Setup of 8 mast arms for efficient traffic signal management.
Future Interconnect/Utilities: Implementation of 2-2” conduits along the north side of Buckner Road from Buckner Lane to the beginning of LIC2, and 1-2” and 1-3” conduits along the south side for future utility expansions.

Challenges and Solutions:

The Buckner Extension project faced several significant challenges. The complex scheduling required Stansell Electric to start and stop work multiple times due to the intermittent availability of tasks. Additionally, a particularly wet and cold winter caused delays, with several productive days lost and a two-week period disrupted by snow. Coordination with Civil Constructors was also essential, as Stansell Electric’s progress was often contingent on the completion of others’ work.

To address these challenges, Bell Construction, Civil Constructors, and Stansell Electric conducted weekly project meetings. These sessions were crucial for discussing delays, planning upcoming work, and ensuring the project advanced safely and successfully.
 

Importance of DDIs:

Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) are an innovative road design that significantly improves traffic flow and safety. The DDI at the June Lake exit will:

Enhance Traffic Flow: By allowing vehicles to cross to the opposite side of the road, DDIs eliminate left-turn signals, reducing wait times and congestion.
Improve Safety: With fewer conflict points where vehicles cross paths, DDIs lead to fewer accidents and enhanced safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Support Long-Term Growth: The DDI is designed to support the 20-year growth plan for the June Lake Development, ensuring the infrastructure can accommodate future community and economic expansion.
Cost Efficiency: DDIs often require less space and fewer materials than traditional interchanges, making them a cost-effective solution for modern infrastructure needs.

Reflective Insights:

The Buckner Extension project is more than just a construction endeavor; it is a testament to the power of innovative design, strategic planning, and collaborative execution. It sets a new standard for infrastructure projects in Middle Tennessee and beyond, highlighting the impact that well-conceived and well-executed projects can have on a community’s growth and quality of life. The lessons learned and successes achieved here will undoubtedly inform and inspire future infrastructure developments in the region.