BRADY FLANIGANStaff Writer

At the inaugural Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting under Mayor Seabourn and his new administration, the board approved a request from the Public Works Department for a road widening project on William Northern Blvd.

This decision comes after the city struck a deal that permitted the installation of a LiveSmart Studio by Hilton for long stay travelers on the corner of Cedar Ln. and William North Blvd. The city will be working with Rogers Group on the project, and is estimated to spend $1,157,353. The project was initially approved by the board in 2023 under the FY25 Capital Projects budget, but after a period of inflation, estimates rose to around 1.6 million dollars.

This compelled Tullahoma Director of Public Works Butch Taylor and Superintendent Eric Pierce to initiate a review in collaboration with Scot St. John of St. John Engineering, looking for ways to cut spending without sacrificing the project. After some time the group was able to drop costs to 1.1 million. The plan includes the removal of the left hand road, where William North Blvd. splits into Lake Way Place, and the introduction of a stop light where Cedar Lane meets William North Blvd. The board approved the motion 7-0, and City Administrator Jason Quick said construction could begin as soon as right after Labor Day.