How Lebanon's highways 109 and 70 intersection is changing and could continue to evolve

Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Spring is the estimate when a new MAPCO under construction at the corner of Highway 70 and Highway 109 in Lebanon could open at an intersection that may be ready for more commercial development with vacant land tracts.

A MAPCO station under construction at Highway 109 and Highway 70 in Lebanon.
A MAPCO station under construction at Highway 109 and Highway 70 in Lebanon.

Residential growth around the intersection has exploded. The WeGo Star commuter railroad's Martha Station is just southeast of the intersection.

“We would like to have a transit-oriented development around the train station,” Lebanon Economic Development Director Sarah Haston said. “We also would like commercial (business) as the new homes and apartments are coming in. We need amenities to support the new residents.”

Lebanon Councilman Phil Morehead envisions a "nicer" type of restaurant, retail or office space that could make the 109 and 70 intersection a potential “gateway” to Lebanon on the west side of the city, he said.

Just north of Highway 70 and west of 109 is the new Park Place Township apartment complex, now open and approved for 290 units. A second phase with approximately 250 additional units is also planned.

The Preserve at Belle Pointe and Spence Creek are among other ongoing home building developments near the intersection.

There is also a commercial and industrial project just northeast of the 109 and 70 intersection moving forward.

Road improvements

Several road upgrade requirements are part of the MAPCO project, according to the city. They include:

The Martha Station that services the WeGo Star commuter railroad in Lebanon off Highway 109. The Martha Station had 2,552 riders in the last 13-month reporting period, WeGo Public Transit Public Information Officer Eric Melcher said.
The Martha Station that services the WeGo Star commuter railroad in Lebanon off Highway 109. The Martha Station had 2,552 riders in the last 13-month reporting period, WeGo Public Transit Public Information Officer Eric Melcher said.

  • A right turn lane on southbound State Route 109 to Quarry Loop Road.

  • A right turn lane on Quarry Loop Road at the store entrance.

  • Widening Quarry Loop Road to three lanes to include separate right and left turn lanes on at State Route 109.

  • The new Lebanon MAPCO will include an in-store Pizza Hut Express, a company spokesperson said.

Park Place Township Apartments off Highways 109 and 70 in Lebanon.
Park Place Township Apartments off Highways 109 and 70 in Lebanon.

New traffic light coming to 109

Bidding has opened for a new traffic signal on State Route 109 at Rock Castle Drive and Cedartree Lane, warranted by existing and future development that include the Spence Creek neighborhood.

Estimates are for the light to be operational by the end of the year, Lebanon Transportation and Traffic & Transportation Engineer Kristen Rice said.

A traffic light will also be installed at U.S. 231 North in Lebanon at Torrey Pines Lane and Hunters Village Drive for the Vineyard Grove and Villages of Hunters Points subdivisions, Rice said.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why highways 109 and 70 in Lebanon are set for commercial development