TDOT, Knox and Sevier pave together

Very shortly it’s going to be smoother and safer to travel on Kimberly Heights Road and Porterfield Gap. The road should be blacktopped by the time this goes to print due to the efforts of Sevier and Knox Counties Road Departments and with the financial support of Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Jonas Smelcer, Sevier County Road Superintendent, Wayne Lockett, Manager, TDOT, and Darrell Hickman, Projects Manager, Knox County collaborated to make a smooth transition across county lines. The Knox County estimated cost to pave their portion of the road is $315,6300. Of that, TDOT will pay approximately $236,723. The balance $78,970 is paid by Knox County, according to Hickman. “I’m please to aid both Sevier and Knox counties in this project as it will aid the public,” stated Lockett. Each year superintendents meet and discuss the condition of the roads, priorities and the money to make it happen with. “It makes everyone’s work easier when a project is coordinated as this is”, stated Smelcer. Hickman says, “It makes good sense to work together to create the outcome we are all looking for – safe and consistent roads.”