When Will the I-65/Buckner Road Interchange Be Done?

Issue #062

19 Apr

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia Weather - Cloudy with a high of 69

🚧 When Will the I-65/Bucker Road interchange Be Done?

📰 Special Census in Columbia Targets Population Growth For Funding Boost

🛍 This Weekend: The Franklin Flea Market

🛍 Saturday: Neighborhood Yard Sale at The Landings in Columbia

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

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April 18th

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April 26th

April 27th

When Will the I-65/Buckner Road interchange Be Done?  

The Buckner Road interchange project in Spring Hill aims to establish a direct link between Interstate 65 and Spring Hill, easing traffic congestion along both the north and south corridors.

According to a spokesperson from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), crews are aiming to meet their projected timeline and potentially open the new exit later this spring, although it may still take several weeks.

The project encompasses the construction of a diverging diamond interchange at Buckner Road, along with a 2.25-mile extension of Buckner Road, which will be renamed June Lake Boulevard upon completion.

TDOT anticipates approximately 17,000 daily trips at the new interchange within the first year, with that number expected to increase to 44,000 over the next two decades.

Special Census in Columbia Targets Population Growth For Funding Boost

Columbia has finalized plans for its upcoming special census, designed to accurately track population growth and secure additional funding for the city's needs.

This comprehensive effort aims to update crucial demographic data necessary for various community planning and funding purposes, according to city officials. Since the last Census in 2020, Columbia's population has experienced significant growth, prompting the need for an accurate count to ensure that all residents are accounted for. This count will enable the government to secure essential funds for services that directly impact the community's well-being.

Scheduled to run from August through November, the special census is being conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau. Approved by the Columbia City Council in March, the initiative involves an investment of $928,069.

Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of citizen participation in achieving an accurate population count, emphasizing its role in contributing to the community's betterment and future prospects. The census is slated to be completed in time for the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, incorporating the new growth figures.

Citizens will have two opportunities to complete the census: an online survey from August 14 to September 6, followed by door-to-door surveys from September 25 to November 14.

City Manager Tony Massey underscored the proactive nature of the special census in addressing the city's evolving needs. By obtaining accurate population figures, resources can be better allocated, and city services and infrastructure development can be prioritized effectively.

The anticipated increase in population numbers is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million per year leading up to the next census in 2030, totaling around $6 million. This significant investment is projected to be recouped within the first year, potentially securing Columbia's "entitlement city" status if the population exceeds 50,000. This status would not only impact annual funding allocations but also enable the city to compete for additional grant opportunities. Massey views the approval of the special census as a sound business investment, anticipating a positive return within the first year and continued benefits in the years to come.

This Weekend: The Franklin Flea Market

THIS WEEKEND, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-4 at the Williamson County Ag Expo! Over 450 Indoor/Outdoor Booths, Food Trucks, a Balloon Artist for the kids (Free) & More!

FREE Admission / $5 Parking.
4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN

Saturday: Neighborhood Yard Sale at The Landings in Columbia

The Landings Neighborhood Yard Sale (on Baker Rd) is on Saturday, April 20th from 7am-2pm. Lots of home goods, clothes, stroller, fishing gear, bikes and more!!