TDOT Mills, Paves State Route 22

CARROLL COUNTY — Commuters traveling between McKenzie and Huntingdon can expect a smoother ride by summer’s end, as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has a major resurfacing initiative along State Route 22.

The project, which began recently, aims to revitalize a critical transit artery in Carroll County. Stretching from the southern edge of McKenzie toward the Huntingdon city limits, the work focuses on a comprehensive “mill and pave” process designed to erase years of wear and tear, potholes, and weathering. Construction crews literally remove the top layer of the existing pavement, reheat it, and reapply it in a single pass.

Crews are currently active in several zones. While the project is essential for long-term road safety, it has brought the familiar sight of orange barrels and flaggers to the daily commute.

• Lane Closures: Motorists should prepare for intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures. Traffic is being reduced to one lane in active work zones, often controlled by flaggers or temporary signals.

• Intersection Improvements: Beyond simple paving, the project includes specific upgrades at key junctions. Notably, intersection improvements at Clyde Road and Lexington Street near the Huntingdon Industrial Park are underway to enhance safety for heavy truck traffic entering and exiting local facilities like Dynamix Casting Fluxes.

The SR-22 project is part of a larger $30 million regional infrastructure investment by TDOT for the 2026 season. It coincides with ongoing work on US-79 (SR-76) and resurfacing efforts on US-70 (SR-1) near Huntingdon Square.

The construction causes short-term inconveniences and delays; however, the structural integrity of SR-22 is vital for the economic health of Carroll County. Replacing the top layer of asphalt now prevents much more expensive sub-surface repairs down the road.

Work on a new Trezevant and Atwood bypass continues, that will reroute traffic away from the downtown areas of Atwood and Trezevant on a new four-lane configuration.

Safety Reminders for Motorists

Local law enforcement has increased patrols in the construction zones to ensure compliance with reduced speed limits. Drivers are urged to:

Eliminate Distractions: Put away cell phones when entering work zones.

Expect Delays: Add an extra 10–15 minutes to travel time between McKenzie and Huntingdon.

Watch for Workers: Be mindful of crews working within inches of live traffic lanes. Slow down.