S.R. 104 to Finley closed to through traffic, motorists urged to use caution on Upper Finley

Ford Construction Company is rebuilding the bridge at Crockett Creek on State Route 104 in Finley. The project is expected to last six weeks and is causing more motorists to use Upper Finley Road as an alternate route. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is increasing their patrols of Upper Finley and truck traffic is being prohibited.

State Route 104 from Highway 51 Bypass to Finley has been temporarily closed to through traffic due to bridge construction. State and county officials are warning motorists to exercise caution when using alternate routes.

Since Monday, June 6, Ford Construction crews have had the bridge closed at Crockett Creek on S.R. 104 to replace it with a new one. The bridge, which is located immediately after Holt Street on S.R. 104 going westbound toward Finley, is approximately 3 miles from Highway 51 Bypass.

Ford Construction was contracted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to do the project.

This temporary bridge was put in place to be used by emergency vehicles. The bridge prevents emergency responders from having to detour around S.R. 104, saving valuable time.

"We should be finished in six weeks," said Ford Construction General Supervisor Ronnie Winstead. "We've got a deadline to meet."

The old bridge that stood there has already been dismantled and a temporary one is in place for emergency vehicles only.

As motorists are using alternate routes as a detour, more traffic has been placed on Upper Finley Road.

Right: Ford Construction workers watch closely as a 22,000-lb. counterweight is placed onto a 100-ton crane. The crane will be used simultaneously with a 70-ton crane on the other side of the creek in the construction of the new bridge.

Within the last week, two accidents have occurred on Upper Finley Road.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, on Friday, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a wreck happened when a woman ran off the road and struck a concrete culvert. She was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty with three children in the vehicle. The Finley Fire Department, Dyersburg Regional Ambulance service and Trooper Henry D. Robertson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the accident. All of the occupants of the vehicle had to be taken to Dyersburg Regional Medical Center for initial treatment. The accident is being investigated by the THP.

Also, a less severe wreck occurred on the same road on Monday.

This 26,000-lb. counterweight will be placed on the 100-ton crane along with the 22,000-lb. counterweight, allowing the crane to lift heavier objects with its boom. [Click to enlarge]

Due to the increased traffic on Upper Finley Road, the THP has increased its patrols there.

"We will be on Upper Finley trying to reduce accidents," said THP Sergeant of Dyer County Robert Moore. "It's a pretty curvy road and people need to use extreme caution when driving on it. We are definitely asking citizens to use caution when traveling Upper Finley Road. It's real smooth asphalt and people tend to drive a little faster since it is smooth."

Another alternative that motorists have instead of using Upper Finley Road is State Route 182 off of Interstate 155.

County Road Superintendent Jeff Jones is encouraging motorists to use S.R. 182 to alleviate traffic off of Upper Finley Road. He also said that big trucks are being asked not to use Upper Finley Road.

"We understand farmers have to use the road, but we want heavy haulers off of it," said Jones.

Jones is asking the public to leave earlier, to prevent speeding, and to look out for yourself and others while driving.

"We're asking everybody to use extreme caution when driving on the road," said Jones. "I'm sure Ford Construction is putting their best foot forward. If the rain holds off, we'll have a new bridge in Finley and people's lives can go back to normal."

With a completion date of July 31, this particular portion of S.R. 104 will likely be closed throughout the summer vacation.