Lane to be constructed

From Staff Reports

   Residents and school officials in Roan Mountain soon will get the turning lane they have been requesting from the state. The Department of Transportation recently granted Rep. Ralph Cole's (R-Elizabethton) request for a turning lane in front of the new Cloudland Elementary School.
   Residents in Roan Mountain contacted Rep. Cole several weeks ago relaying the need for the construction of a turning lane on Hwy. 19E in front of the new elementary school. Rep. Cole is pleased to announce that he has been notified by the Department of Transportation that construction on the project will soon begin.
   The construction will build a center lane from the already existing three lanes in Roan Mountain, and it will continue for approximately one mile past the new school.
   The cost of this project is expected to be about $100,000. The Department of Transportation stated that if funds are available in the future the three lanes will be extended from mile marker three to Buck Creek County Road, which is near the Roan Highlands Nursing Home.
   The money for these projects will be allocated from the Department of Transportation's maintenance fund. "I am greatly appreciative of Governor Sundquist and Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Saltsman for their quick response to my request," Rep. Cole said. "The safety and education of our children is always of utmost importance to me."