City of Dickson Planning Future Widening With Redesigned Highway 70 Signals
Dickson, TN — The Dickson City Council approved an amendment Feb. 2 that will redesign traffic signals on Highway 70 West with an eye toward a larger goal: future widening of one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Council members unanimously passed Resolution #2026-14 authorizing the mayor to sign Amendment 1 to the city’s agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates for traffic signal design services tied to the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Phase II project.
The amendment adds $12,700 to the contract, bringing the total project cost to $216,400.
Where the work will occur
The redesign focuses on the intersection of Highway 70 West at Weaver and Beasley drives, an area that has seen increasing traffic as commercial development and residential growth continue along the corridor.
City Administrator David Travis said the amendment will allow Kimley-Horn to design signal placement in a way that accommodates a future widening of the intersection — a recommendation outlined in the city’s Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan.
Planning for Growth, Not Just Today’s Traffic
Rather than installing signals that would later have to be relocated if the roadway expands, the updated design anticipates the potential widening now.
That forward-thinking approach aims to:
Avoid costly redesigns in the future
Improve long-term traffic flow
Support continued commercial and residential development
Enhance intersection safety
Highway 70 West is one of Dickson’s primary commercial corridors and serves as a key connection for residents traveling to schools, businesses, and neighboring communities.
What is the Safe Streets for All plan?
The Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan is a federally supported initiative focused on improving roadway safety and reducing crash risks. Recommendations from that plan help guide infrastructure upgrades across the city.
In this case, the plan identified the Highway 70 West intersection as a candidate for improvements tied to traffic volume and safety considerations.
Why it matters
As Dickson continues to grow, infrastructure decisions increasingly reflect long-term planning rather than short-term fixes.
Traffic congestion along Highway 70 West has been a recurring concern among residents and business owners. Designing signal infrastructure that aligns with a potential widening project signals that city leaders are preparing for sustained growth in the area.
The amendment represents a relatively modest cost increase now to potentially prevent significantly higher expenses later.
What’s Next?
The Intelligent Transportation System Phase II project will continue through design and implementation stages. While no construction timeline for widening has been formally announced, the signal redesign ensures the intersection is positioned to accommodate future expansion when that time comes.
For commuters traveling Highway 70 West each day, the approved redesign may not be immediately visible — but it represents another step in shaping the corridor’s long-term future.