The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced its Comprehensive Strategy for the I-40/I-75 Corridor in Loudon and Knox Counties to find solutions to congestion issues in and around Knoxville. The strategy combines projects identified in TDOT’s 10-Year Plan, released in December, which includes funding for the interchange at I-40 and Watt Road, improvements to the I-40/I-75 corridor, and preliminary engineering of the Sharps Gap Interchange.
Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley stated, “By shifting focus from individual projects to a comprehensive strategy we can better address long-term needs for this corridor and maximize the value of investments. Thanks to Governor Lee prioritizing infrastructure, we’re transforming how TDOT approaches delivery leading to a more efficient use of resources and improved project outcomes.”
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The 17-mile stretch between the I-75 split in Loudon County and the I-640 split in Knox County is one of the most congested areas in the state, with over 205,000 vehicles using it every day. During the next 18 to 24 months, TDOT will invest in preliminary engineering to determine the necessary corridor improvements to increase throughput and reduce travel times.
The work will include data collection, an assessment of previous studies, an existing conditions analysis of both engineering and environmental features, a traffic analysis, and an operations assessment. TDOT is developing a strategy for funding by leveraging dollars and applying for discretionary grant opportunities.
Local officials, including Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Farragut Mayor Ron Williams, and Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, have expressed their support for the comprehensive strategy and look forward to working with TDOT to enhance the transportation network in the region.
Source: Read Original Release
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