The $45.1 million northwest extension, which is part of a larger project to create a loop around the city of Franklin, is funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the city of Franklin and broke ground in early 2019.
The project has been divided into two phases, the first of which will create a two-lane road and a single bridge crossing over the Harpeth River. Phase I is on track to be complete in November 2021, according to a December update from the city of Franklin.
Phase II of the project will expand the roadway to four lanes and create a second bridge crossing. However, funding has not yet become available for the second phase, and a timeline for construction is not yet available, according to TDOT spokesperson Kathryn Schulte.
As of late 2019, crews have begun work on the bridge over the Harpeth River. Additionally, the road closures in place near Hillsboro Road are expected to end in the next few months, according to the city.
When complete, the project will also include a multiuse trail—funded by the city of Franklin— that will be built along the roadway, allowing for bicycling and pedestrian traffic to travel from the Westhaven area to downtown Franklin. Trails are also featured along Mack Hatcher near Liberty Pike and Murfreesboro Road.