Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson
Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson said he is excited about the progress being made on Lauderdale Highway in northern Bradley County, both near Exit 33 and at the intersection at Walker Valley Road.
“As a former state representative, and now sheriff, this area has always been a serious traffic hazard that residents and I sought assistance time and time again from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to remedy," said Sheriff Watson. "We were continuous in our efforts to make the necessary safety improvements to the roadway that runs from I-75 through to Highway 11 a reality. I am gratified to see my successor as State Representative, Dan Howell, successfully continue the effort to make the area safer. The much-needed arrival of new industry in the Lauderdale Road area, not to mention the arrival of Walker Valley High School, has made a former two-lane road a heavily travelled major highway.
“The pavement marking and signage at Walker Valley Road and Lauderdale Highway is most certainly a wise and welcome start to easing that area, where some 16 accidents took place from the end of 2012 until late November.
“Lauderdale Highway’s maintenance, striping and traffic flow is the responsibility of the Tennessee Department of Transportation…the work being done now is of a great need…and as your sheriff, I’m glad to see the work get started.
"Again, my sincere thanks to State Representative Dan Howell for continuing the roadway improvement effort on both Lauderdale Highway and Walker Valley Road. The safety of the travelling public should know no limit,” Sheriff Watson concluded.