The demolition and re-construction are still progressing on the Henley Bridge as scheduled, and the contractor is optimistic about completing the project by December 31st of next year. With the onset of warmer weather and longer daylight hours, he is proposing to bring additional crews on soon to expedite the demolition work. This may include working at night again. We want to assure those that live close to the north side of the bridge, these operations will be less noise invasive and should not hinder you from sleeping.

Starting Monday (weather permitting), the contractor will start preliminary construction on Neyland Drive in order to divert traffic to one side (there will be only one lane open in each direction under the bridge). Prior to the lane shift, temporary traffic controls devices have to be installed and re-striping has to be performed. The initial shift is expected to take place sometime late next week. The eastbound lane (closest to Calhoun's) will be closed first with all the traffic being diverted to the westbound side. As the demolition progresses, we will be switching back and forth between the east and westbound lanes, but I will try to give you adequate notice as to when these changes will be. Again, be aware of the signage and the traffic delineation. And, again, don't forget the speed limit is 35 MPH through this area.

After today, we will only be sending out updates bi-weekly and whenever traffic changes and major events are taking place. The demolition work is now becoming a monotonous operation, and a weekly update would probably be unnecessary.

If you have questions concerning the bridge or need maps or brochures, please feel free to stop by the Henley Community Center Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 865-577-6988. To find out more about the project, detours, Henley Bridge history and to view the project cameras you can visit www.tn.gov/henley. You can also follow the project updates on twitter at twitter.com/HenleyBridge.

- Henley Bridge Project Community Center