JEA Construction Update on Highland

Press Release: June 1st, 2005

As the Wastewater Department completes its efforts on North Highland, crews from other utility departments are ready to start work on projects that will last several months.

JEA is moving utility services to make way for a Tennessee Department of Transportation project to widen North Highland between McCowat and Westwood Streets.

"Northbound lanes will close June 6 so we can begin trimming trees to make way for the Electric Department," says Chris Coughlin, Jackson Energy Authority Engineering Project Manager.

Electric utility lines, mostly on the east side of Highland, will be moved four to five feet further east and will be relocated on the back side of the sidewalk rather than next to the street where they are now.

At the same time, gas lines will be moved. At King and Highland, a trench will be dug so gas lines and telecom underground lines can cross under the road.

When that work is completed, the northbound lanes will open and the southbound lanes will close so the Water Department can relocate mains and services.

The Wastewater Department has been taking advantage of the upcoming projects to survey its mains for leaks and add liners to prevent leaks. Widening Highland will take Dement Construction, the road contractor, about two and a half years to complete, Coughlin said.