MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 3:10 pm

New Salem Pike will get a facelift from the Tennessee Department of Transportation beginning in mid-2010, now that Murfreesboro City Council gave the nod to the state’s plans.

The city council unanimously approved a resolution for TDOT’s plans to widen New Salem Pike (SR 99) from Old Fort Parkway to Cason Lane, as part of a larger project that will see an improved road to Veteran’s Parkway.

The new New Salem Pike will be a five-lane road with 12-foot shoulders, curbs and gutters. Construction should begin in mid-2010.

City Traffic Director Dana Richardson said the wide shoulders can be used as a bike lane and, when paired with the recently opened River Rock Boulevard and future plans for the greenway, the road will complete the new multi-use approach the city is taking to transportation.

The city provided TDOT $2 million, but 80 percent of the funds were from the federal government, with TDOT funding the remaining balance on the project. This means the city will only pay $360,000 out of pocket for the new road, Richardson said.

Other council business:
- Approved for passage on third and final reading an ordinance to annex an area located along DeJarnette Lane and to adopt for same a Plan of Services.

- Approved for passage on third and final reading an ordinance to annex an area located along Manchester Highway and to adopt for same a Plan of Services.

- Approved for passage on third and final reading an ordinance amending Murfreesboro City Code for cemeteries, reducing the percentage of proceeds placed in the perpetual trust fund, modifying scheduling requirements and clarifying the provisions.

- Approved for passage on third and final reading an ordinances to raise sewer rates and fees.

- Approved for passage a zoning request for a PRD amendment of approximately 4.95 acres zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD) District located along Riverbend Drive; Landmark Homes, applicant.

- Approved for passage an annexation request for approximately 4.29 acres located along Veterans Parkway and Franklin Road; Parktrust Development, applicant.

- Approved for passage a zoning request for approximately 2.92 acres located along Veterans Parkway and Franklin Road to be zoned Planned Commercial Development (PCD) District simultaneously with annexation; Parktrust Development, applicant.

- Approved for passage a PRD amendment of approximately 183.33 acres located along Fortress Boulevard; Ole South Properties, applicant.

- Approved for adoption a resolution regarding City of Murfreesboro Flexible Benefits Plan.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.