Council Authorizes West Cumberland Extension Project

TYLER — As expected, the Tyler City Council Wednesday authorized a construction contract with Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd. to complete the Cumberland extension project and the Cherryhill Drive extension. On August 22, 2012, the City Council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with C. T. Brannon Corporation for design, plans, and specifications for construction of West Cumberland Road from South Broadway Avenue to Old Jacksonville Highway. The length of this project is approximately 2.4 miles. �This is a wonderful project to increase the east-west connection in southern Tyler,� said Mayor Barbara Bass. ��This will give citizens better access to schools, retail, parks and new development. It will also enhance emergency response times and help ease traffic congestion.�

The existing section of Cumberland Road, west of South Broadway to the Southside Waste Water Treatment Plant, will be widened from two traffic lanes to four traffic lanes. The West Cumberland Road extension will consist of four traffic lanes, raised, landscaped medians, and sidewalks. Construction includes a proposed bridge crossing over West Mud Creek and provides connectivity for a future hike and bike trail. Bids were received on April 8. The bids included an alternative for extending Cherryhill Drive to provide access and service to the residential community south of the proposed Cumberland Road extension. The alternate is included in the bid amount with the West Cumberland Road extension.