Tom Collins
Road Superintendent

Tom Collins (Toad) was born and raised in Bradley County. He attended the local county schools of Prospect Elementary and Bradley Central High School.

In 1973, Collins began his career in transportation with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), starting in the Engineering and Construction Department. There, he learned all aspects of road and bridge construction, from project inception to completion. Over the years, Collins earned certifications in areas like asphalt plant inspection, concrete plant inspection, nuclear density compaction and nuclear radiology preparedness.

In 1986, Collins transitioned to the maintenance side of transportation, becoming the Superintendent overseeing Bradley, Polk, and McMinn counties. He was soon promoted to District Superintendent, managing operations across five counties (Bradley, Polk, McMinn, Meigs and Hamilton) with a team of over 120 employees. His responsibilities included staffing, training, guardrail repair, paving, drainage, and inmate labor coordination.

In 1998, Collins realized his long-time goal by being elected as the Bradley County Road Superintendent. At the time, the Bradley County Road Department (BCRD) was in financial straits, owing over $500,000 in debt without funds to make payroll. Under Collins' leadership, the BCRD was revitalized. By 2000, they had purchased new dump trucks, pavers and rollers to pave over 100 miles of road using 108,000 tons of asphalt. Over the next 16 years, the BCRD averaged over 50 miles of paving annually.

Collins also initiated the use of aluminum bridges in the area, which offered quick installation, aesthetic appeal, and a 75-year warranty. He oversaw the replacement of 23 deficient bridges with aluminum structures, as well as 8 larger span bridges using state bridge grant funding. In 2001, Collins initiated the use of raised pavement markings (RPMs) in the county.

Tom retired in 2014 for 8 years.  In 2021, Tom decided to run for office again, won the 2022 election and was re-instated in September of 2022.  Tom’s goal is to provide the best roads possible for the citizens of his beloved Bradley County.