OTN Group announced plans for the construction of the Freeman Parkway extension, a critical transportation infrastructure project designed to enhance access to the Gateway 65 North development and support the growing logistics operations anchored by Kroger's incoming cold storage distribution center.
The Freeman Parkway extension will serve as a dedicated connector road linking Gateway 65 North to the surrounding regional transportation network. The project is being developed to accommodate the significant increase in commercial traffic expected from Kroger's $391 million, 950,000-square-foot cold storage distribution center, which will employ approximately 430 full-time workers upon completion.
As one of the largest cold storage distribution facilities in the region, the Kroger center will generate substantial truck and employee traffic daily. The Freeman Parkway extension is being designed to handle this volume while minimizing impact on existing local roads and residential areas in the Franklin community.
The roadway project is part of OTN Group's broader commitment to responsible infrastructure development at Gateway 65 North. By proactively investing in transportation improvements, OTN Group aims to ensure that the development's growth enhances rather than burdens the surrounding community.
"The Freeman Parkway extension is a key component of the infrastructure plan at Gateway 65 North. This road will provide efficient, dedicated access for distribution operations while protecting the quality of life for local residents. It's the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure that sets this development apart."
— Adam M. DeSimoneManaging Partner, OTN Group
The Freeman Parkway extension will be engineered to accommodate heavy commercial vehicle traffic, including tractor-trailers serving the Kroger distribution facility and future tenants within the Gateway 65 North development. The road design will incorporate modern safety features, appropriate turning lanes, and capacity for future expansion as the industrial park continues to grow.
Construction on the Freeman Parkway extension will begin in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by fiscal year-end 2026. Upon completion, the roadway will be dedicated to the City of Franklin.
OTN Group is coordinating with local and state transportation authorities, as well as Simpson County officials, to ensure the project aligns with regional transportation plans and meets all regulatory requirements.
The Freeman Parkway extension represents OTN Group's ongoing commitment to Franklin, Kentucky, and to developing Gateway 65 North as a premier industrial destination on the I-65 corridor between Nashville and Louisville.
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