Tennessee State Route 109

Infobox road
marker_

state=TN
type=TN
route=109
alternate_name=Highway 109
maint=TDOT


length_mi=37.5
length_round=
length_ref=
established=
direction_a=South
starting_terminus=
junction=

direction_b=North
ending_terminus= state line
counties=Wilson, Sumner
cities=Lebanon, Gallatin, Portland, Mitchellville
previous_type=Dual
previous_route=108
next_type=Secondary
next_route=110

State Route 109 (abbreviated SR 109) is a primary state highway in Wilson County and Sumner County, Tennessee. It runs from the intersection of SR 265 and SR 840 (Exit 72) near Lebanon, north through Gallatin to the Kentucky state line and US 31.

SR 109 is mentioned in several country music songs including "Church on the Cumberland Road" by Shenandoah and “Goodbye, Earl” by the Dixie Chicks. The first Cracker Barrel Restaurant was at the corner of I-40 and SR 109.

History

SR 109 originally ended at its interchange with I-40, but was extended Southward to connect with SR 840. The highway was mostly a two-lane highway from that point all the way north to the state line.

A new interchange was constructed with US 70, allowing the free flow of traffic on the Federal highway. The old intersection had US 70 traversing a long down-sloping hill in both directions, which was very dangerous for traffic.

A bypass of downtown Gallatin was constructed in the 1990’s, allowing traffic to divert around the city proper to the West.

Future

SR 109 is slated to be widened to a four-lane divided highway from Gallatin to I-40, primarily for the increased level of traffic from the industrial park just off the Interstate. It isn’t known at present if the widening will be extended North of Gallatin.

References

* [http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Maps/county/co95.pdf Wilson County Highway Map]
* [http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Maps/county/co83.pdf Sumner County Highway Map]
* [http://www.tdot.state.tn.us Tennessee Department of Transportation]