Project managers estimate that Hollywood Road will remain closed through March 13 – two weeks longer than originally anticipated.
Recent above-average rainfall has hindered crews’ ability to complete improvements on this heavily traveled local road before the end of February. Hollywood Road has been closed to through traffic since late October 2019.
“Weather plays a role in all construction and engineering-related projects,” City Director of Engineering Jim Hagerman said. “The constant rain kept them from working most of January. It’s frustrating, but not entirely surprising, that recent flooding has also challenged this road project, whose main goal is to reduce the impact of flooding on area residents and drivers.”
Crews have completed work on the retaining wall on the west side of Hollywood Road. Remaining portions of the project include prepping and pouring the curbs and sidewalks and paving the street.
The construction arm of Nashville-based housing developer Elmington Capital Group is in the final stages of the construction project to raise a 300-foot-long section of Hollywood Road by approximately 7 feet to address long-term flooding issues and improve sight distance, safety and visibility.
When these infrastructure improvements are complete, the road will reopen and construction will proceed on The Flats at Pond Gap, a family housing complex comprised of 102 workforce housing units.
John Shepard, Vice President of Elmington Capital Group, said he appreciates the understanding and patience shown by neighbors during the closure.
“All of this rain and accompanying flooding underline the importance of this road improvement to help address the chronic flooding issues that Hollywood Road has experienced for years,” he said. “We apologize for the burden that this closure places on local businesses and residents who depend on Hollywood Road, and we are doing everything in our power to get the road reopened safely and quickly.”
Alternate routes connecting Papermill Drive with Sutherland Avenue are Liberty Street and Northshore Drive. Road closure and detour signs are posted.
The City Neighborhood and Housing Development Department (formerly Community Development) contributed $555,000 from its Affordable Rental Development Fund to the $22 million Flats at Pond Gap project. The 102 rental units will help address the city’s need for affordable housing.
To date, the City has contributed funds from its Affordable Rental Development Fund to two additional projects developed by Elmington Capital Group: $360,000 to Southside Flats on Chapman Highway and $1.3 million to Young High Flats.