Removal of on-street parking

The Parkway (between East Main Street and Forks of the River Parkway) is scheduled to be widened from five to six lanes this spring. The additional lane will be utilized to allow more efficient flow of traffic throughout the downtown Sevierville area. This work is being funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and is part of the new Hwy 448 connector between East Main and Highway 66. In order gain the necessary roadway width to add an additional traffic lane; on-street parking along Parkway will be removed. The City realizes that this may cause some degree of inconvenience, however, the additional lane is necessary to reduce the congestion in and around our downtown area. Beginning as early as next week (May 1, 2006), TDOT contractors will begin milling and restriping the Parkway (between East Main Street and Forks of the River Parkway) in preparation for the opening of Hwy. 448 (estimated opening of Hwy 448 is May 26, 2006, weather permitting). Once contractors begin this work, on-street parking will no longer be allowed. Over the next several days, City employees will be removing some signs and adding “No Parking” signs along the Parkway (between East Main Street and Forks of the River Parkway). Police officers will be placing notices on vehicles parked on the street in this area advising motorists that on-street parking will soon be unavailable.   The City appreciates the understanding and cooperation of citizens during this transition period. Please remember that the additional traffic lane, coupled with the opening of Hwy. 448 and other downtown area road improvements will provide significant traffic relief for all citizens.