Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on March 18, 2016
TDOT Says Repairs and Replacements on I-440 Are 3-5 Years Away
More than 100,000 people travel the 7.5-mile loop around Nashville that is Interstate 440, and the wear and tear from their vehicles has caused the roadway to become cracked, chipped, and broken in many places. However, a report by the Tennessee Department of Transportation says that major repairs to the interstate are anywhere from three to five years away from being feasible.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the interstate was completed in 1987 and it is primarily a concrete roadway, which was chosen because of its durability and capacity to withstand high traffic volumes and heavy vehicles. Because the roadway is made of concrete, repairing it would require a lengthy process that involves ripping out material that’s around one foot in thickness over the 35 miles of I-440’s lanes and replacing it.
TDOT estimates that the cost of a full repair or replacement of I-440 would cost around $50 million. In addition, the department would also need to choose between asphalt or another concrete mixture to replace the surface of the roadway.
In the meantime, TDOT urges drivers to report potholes and other serious defects in the roadway in order to reduce the number of accidents and damaged vehicles. Drivers who spot road damage can call the TDOT Region 3 maintenance office by dialing (615) 350-4300.
3 Tips for Driving on Roads with Potholes, Loose Asphalt, and Uneven Surfaces
Although the majority of roadways in Middle Tennessee are in good condition, some may be in need of repairs due to wear and tear from extremely high traffic volumes or damage caused by rain, snow, and ice. Driving on these roadways can sometimes put your vehicle at risk of sustaining damage, including tire damage, front-end damage, and misalignment.
To reduce your risk of vehicle damage or being involved in an accident due to poor road conditions, do your best to follow these tips when driving on roadways with broken or uneven surfaces:
Your tires are the only parts of your vehicle that come into contact with the road, and if they get damaged, you may lose control of your vehicle. Keeping your tires properly inflated makes them more resistant to damage and less likely to puncture or blow out while you’re driving—even if the roadway is damaged.
Although potholes can damage your vehicle, it’s far more dangerous to swerve out of the way to avoid one—especially if you’re driving in heavy traffic or near other vehicles. If you know you’re going to drive over a pothole, reduce your speed and release your brakes as you drive over it. This will fully engage your suspension and help reduce the amount of stress on your tires.
If your vehicle sustains damage on a roadway with a bumpy surface, you may be tempted to get out and fix it—particularly if the problem is a flat tire. However, people who replace deflated or flat tires on highways and interstates put themselves at extreme risk of being severely injured or even killed by oncoming traffic. Stay inside your vehicle and call for highway assistance or a tow truck instead.
In addition to always being aware of the presence and movements of other vehicle, it’s also vital to be aware of the condition of the roadway and any potential hazards you might encounter. If a roadway is significantly damaged and poses a major risk to your safety, call TDOT to report the damage and take alternate routes until it’s repaired if possible.
Although some accidents are caused by poor road conditions, most car accidents in Middle Tennessee are the result of careless driving habits. If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related expenses. Get in touch with us today—dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
