Lighting the Way: Enhancing Safety on I-40 & SR61 in Roane County
Project at a Glance
- Location: Roane County, Harriman, TN
- Client: Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
- Partners: Allied Crane and Rigging, Erosion Solutions, Knox Hydrovac, Long Foundation Drilling, Superior Traffic Control, LLC, Wilson & Associates, Los Primos Authentic Mexican Cuisine, which generously allowed us to use their parking lot for project staging.
About the Project
Stansell Electric recently completed a major highway lighting project in Roane County, TN, aimed at improving safety for drivers along I-40 and SR61. The project involved installing new lighting in key areas, including:
- 6 large high-mast poles (150 feet tall)
- 17 new street lights (45 feet tall)
- 6 underpass lights
The project replaced outdated lighting equipment and added new lights to make the roads safer, especially at night.
Why It Matters:
Better lighting on highways is important for safety. Well-lit roads make it easier for drivers to see obstacles, changes in the road, and other vehicles. Research shows that improved lighting can reduce nighttime crashes by up to 42%, especially in busy areas. The lighting also improves security for people walking, biking, or using public transit along these roadways.
Challenges and Solutions:
Tough Ground Conditions:
During drilling for one of the high-mast poles, we encountered unexpected soft soil, which made it difficult to secure the foundation. After several attempts to drill deeper, we worked with experts and decided to move the pole 20 feet to a more stable location. This allowed us to install the pole safely and keep the project on track.
Safer Underpass Lighting Installation:
Initially, we planned to close down traffic and use a specialized truck to install the underpass lights. However, our team found a more efficient way to run the electrical conduits under the bridge, which allowed us to install the lights with only partial lane closures, minimizing traffic disruptions and ensuring future maintenance would be easier.
Re-routing Conduits:
We worked closely with TDOT to adjust the original design and move some of the electrical conduits to safer, more accessible areas, which improved both the safety of the installation and the long-term maintenance of the lights.
Key Features:
- The 150-foot tall high-mast poles each weigh over 8,700 lbs, adding up to 52,452 lbs of steel installed to support the new lighting system.
- The upgraded lighting will improve visibility for drivers and enhance overall road safety in Roane County.
Biosolids:
To enhance the processing of biosolids, a new three-story sludge drying facility was constructed. Electrical support was provided for the installation of systems critical to sludge management, including:
- Digested sludge feed wet well and centrifuge feed pump system.
- Dewatering centrifuges and dewatered sludge conveyor system.
- Polymer storage and feed system for centrifuges
- Centrate thickening system
What We’re Proud Of:
- The project was finished on time, and we received great feedback from TDOT and the local utility board for our clear communication and timely responses.
- Thanks to some creative problem-solving, we were able to complete the work without major disruptions to local traffic.
Reflective Insights:
This lighting project exemplified how collaboration, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving are essential to overcoming challenges and ensuring project success. By working closely with partners like TDOT, specialized contractors, and even local businesses, we were able to navigate unforeseen obstacles while prioritizing safety and efficiency. This project not only improved visibility and safety for the community but also reinforced key lessons that will guide our team in future endeavors. We’re proud of the work accomplished and the relationships built, and we look forward to applying these insights to our next project.
