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Washington County’s infrastructure recovery is hitting high gear this spring, with Mayor Joe Grandy and Highway Superintendent Doug Jones announcing major construction milestones for three critical bridge projects.

"The progress we are seeing today is a testament to the tireless dedication of our local crews and our partners at the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)," Grandy said. "I want to personally thank the men and women who have worked through the winter and under difficult conditions to get these structures back online. We know these closures have been a hardship for our residents, and we want to reassure everyone that we are pushing every timeline possible to ensure our infrastructure is not just restored, but built back stronger and safer than before."

As of February 2026, the county has received approximately 5.5 million in FEMA reimbursements for Helene-related damages, which helps sustain the aggressive construction schedules for these projects.

Bailey’s Bridge (State Route 353)

The crossing of the Nolichucky River at Bailey’s Bridge is nearing completion, roughly 18 months after being destroyed by the historic flooding of Hurricane Helene. Managed by TDOT and executed by Summers-Taylor Construction, work has proceeded rapidly through the winter months.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for May 19, marking the official reopening of this essential connection for the community.

Bailey’s Bridge is a primary artery for agricultural and local commuter traffic between southern Washington County and Greene County; its reopening is expected to significantly reduce detour times that have been in place since September 2024.

Telford Road Bridge

Construction on the Telford Road Bridge is now moving forward at full speed. Following its closure by TDOT for safety reasons nearly a year ago, the project cleared engineering and received final TDOT approval late last year.

The contract has been awarded to King Construction, and with final right-of-way plans secured, work is officially underway. While the standard contract allows for a 180-day completion window, Grandy and Jones have challenged the firm to fast-track the project, aiming for it to be finished in 100 days or less to restore this vital route for residents.

Corby Bridge

Engineering and design work continues for the total reconstruction of Corby Bridge. Originally built in 1959, the bridge was partially destroyed during Hurricane Helene and must now be completely rebuilt to meet modern safety and hydrology standards.

The transition from the original design of the bridge to current standards involves increased weight load capacities and improved drainage to mitigate future flood risks.

The project recently received its first TDOT approval for the mandatory hydrology study. Final engineering approvals are anticipated within the next 60 days, at which point the county will begin the bid process for demolition and reconstruction.

“Our crews and contractors have been working through the toughest months of the year to keep these projects on track,” Jones said. “From the hydrology studies at Corby to the final paving prep at Bailey’s, we are seeing the results of a very disciplined, aggressive construction schedule.”

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During a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, the Washington County Commission approved a rezoning request from BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) for its 55-acre property at 1367 Old State Route 34 in Jonesborough. 

The request facilitates the expansion of BWXT’s Jonesborough operations in support of a $1.5 billion federal contract for the processing of high-purity depleted uranium. The property was rezoned from A-1, General Agriculture; R-1, Low Density Residential; and A-3, Agriculture-Business to M-2, High Impact Use.

Because the Washington County Regional Planning Commission recommended denial of the request in January, a supermajority of 10 votes from the 15-member body was required for the measure to pass. The panel approved the rezoning on a 10-5 vote.

Based on the economic impact analysis prepared by the Washington County Economic Development Council (WCEDC), BWXT’s expansion represents a significant $714 million capital investment in the local community. This includes $116 million for real property (buildings and site improvements) and $598 million for personal property (machinery and equipment).

“The WCEDC supports this agenda item,” said Alicia Summers, executive director of the WCEDC. “We believe it is important that the potential economic impact of industrial projects be considered when making decisions that could influence future expansion opportunities. As the county’s recognized economic development organization, we have a responsibility to ensure elected officials are informed about the potential economic implications associated with projects of this scale.”

The project is projected to have a profound effect on the local workforce and broader economy through:

• Job creation: The expansion is expected to create more than 170 direct jobs. When accounting for indirect impacts (suppliers) and induced impacts (household spending), the project is estimated to support more than 600 jobs annually.
• Labor income: New direct employees are expected to earn an average hourly wage of $38, plus benefits. Across all direct, indirect and induced positions, the total annual labor income is estimated at $51 million.
• Economic output: The project is estimated to add $106 million annually to Washington County's Gross Domestic Product.
• Tax revenue: Once at full production levels, the facility is projected to generate $2.7 million in annual direct property tax revenue. Additionally, the county expects to collect approximately $586,000 annually in local sales tax revenue resulting from the project’s economic activity.

Also on Monday, Patrick Flood, senior advisor with the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, told commissioners that BWXT “has a good record of environmental compliance” with its Jonesborough operations. He also referenced a TDEC webpage, which provides answers to frequently asked questions about BWXT’s project: https://www.tn.gov/environment/oea/citizen/bwxt-faq.html.

The next regular meeting of the Washington County Commission is scheduled for Monday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in Courtroom 7 of the George P. Jaynes Justice Center, located at 108 W. Jackson Blvd. in Jonesborough. 

The meetings are streamed on the county’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@WashingtonCountyTNGovernment.

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

April 18, 2026

Sponsored and paid for by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

9:00am - 1:00pm

Daniel Boone High School 1440 Suncrest Drive, Gray

Household Hazardous Waste - is defined as corrosive, flammable, toxic, or reactive materials used in your home, car or truck, or garden and lawn that is unwanted/unusable. 

Now's your chance...It's FREE! 

You can dispose of all those leftover household chemicals, lawn and garden products and automotive materials that you've never known what to do with. 

Things to Bring:

Household Cleaners 

• Drain Openers 

• Oven Cleaners 

• Wood Cleaners & Polishes 

• Metal Cleaners & Polishes 

• Toilet Bowl Cleaners 

• Disinfectants 

Home Maintenance 

• Chemicals 

• Paint Thinner 

• Wood Preservatives 

• Paint Strippers & Removers

• Adhesives

Miscellaneous 

• Fingernail Polish Remover 

• Pool Chemicals 

• Photo Processing Chemicals 

• Medicines & Drugs 

• Reactive Materials 

• Aerosols (Spray Cans) 

• Compressed Gas 

• Mercury Thermostats

• Mercury Thermometers

• Fluorescent Light Bulbs

• Needles/Sharps (in container)

• Lead 

Lawn & Garden Chemicals 

• Herbicides 

• Pesticides 

• Fungicides 

• Fertilizers

Automotive Products 

• Fuel Additives 

• Grease & Rust Solvents 

• Air Conditioning Refrigerants 

• Starter Fluids 

• Body Putty 

• Coolants 

• Carburetor/ Fuel Injector Cleaners

NO Medical or Infectious Waste (besides needles and sharps in puncture-proof containers), Explosives, Ammunition, Radioactive waste including smoke detectors, or any empty containers. Waste from NON-household sources such as Businesses, Schools, Farms, Churches, Etc. will be accepted BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call 615-643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment. 

Batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and electronics are accepted daily at all Washington County Convenience Centers and will not be accepted this day. Go to 

www.washingtoncountytn.org click on departments, then on solid waste

**If you have questions or need additional information, please call 423-753-1652.

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