HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — Utility work by Piedmont Gas on Drakes Creek prompted scheduling coordination at the Oct. 28 Public Works Committee meeting after the company requested extended work hours during the lead-up to Halloween.

Public works staff said Piedmont requested work 'until dark' on Thursday and Friday; after follow-up, the company agreed to be complete by 2:30 p.m. Friday and to resume normal work (08:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) on Saturday. Staff will post schedules on the city website, use variable message boards and email local school principals to alert parents and staff. Staff warned Thursday afternoon lane closures could affect afternoon school traffic.

Authority and preemption: Committee members noted this was not the first time a utility’s work conflicted with local events and asked legal staff to examine whether TDOT utility agreements and federal or state obligations preempt city authority over lane-closure timing on state-local projects. Staff said utility relocations for this project run through TDOT’s utility office and that standard construction notice (48-hour notice for lane closures) is typical; the committee asked staff to research whether the city can impose additional timing controls in future franchise or excavation agreements.

Why it matters: Drakes Creek is a high-traffic corridor and a neighborhood that holds active Halloween events; extended lane closures during trick-or-treat hours could disrupt traffic, reduce access and affect public safety. Staff plans multiple notifications to residents and school officials to reduce confusion.

What’s next: Staff will update the website and message boards, notify school principals, and investigate whether local ordinances or franchise terms could be revised to give the city more control over utility work timing.