A tree sculpture with symbols of Franklin Community High School stands tall in the middle of the roundabout at Commerce Drive and Simon Road.
Photo provided by city of Franklin
Commerce Drive re-opened this week and the remaining lanes of the new roundabout will open following a ribbon cutting on the art that graces a new western gateway to Franklin.
The art, which is a unique metal tree, was commissioned by the Franklin Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council. The sculpture sits in the middle of a new $1.6 million roundabout at Commerce Drive and Simon Road. The council worked with the artist on the concept and design, and raised funds for the $300,000 sculpture.
Dave O’Mara Contractor Inc. is set to complete the work on north/south lanes of the roundabout so it can fully open following the ribbon cutting, which is set for Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mayor Steve Barnett, members of the council and others will share remarks on the project.
The roundabout is expected to improve safety and make traffic flow more quickly through the busy intersection in front of Franklin Community High School. The removal of stop signs can reduce the bottleneck at peak times such as before and after school and high attendance after-school events.
