66 widening is in state’s 3-yr plan

Seymour turn lane addition also listed Governor Phil Bredesen released a three-year (2007-2009) Multi-modal Work Program for the state, including three Sevier County road projects. In fiscal year 2007, funding was approved for the additional right of way of a 4.2 mile section of State Route 66 from north of Nichols Street to State Route 338 (Boyds Creek Highway). The proposed improvement of State Route 66 involves widening the route from a four-lane facility to a six-lane with a raised median. The cross section will consist of six, 12-foot traffic lanes, 4-foot inside shoulders with curbs, 12-foot outside shoulders with curbs and gutters, and sidewalks within a variable right-of-way width. “State Route 66 is the main corridor from I-40 in to Sevier County. With the tourist industry continuing to grow, this project will add capacity and reduce congestion,” Representative Richard Montgomery said. “Citizens and visitors will look forward to the completion of this project. I’m happy I was able to help bring this project to Sevier County,” Senator Raymond Finney said. Funding was also approved for 2007 for the reconstruction of a 4.7-mile section of State Route 454, Birds Creek Road, from Glade Road to State Route 416. The proposed improvement will consist of two traffic lanes, 6-foot shoulders within a variable width right-of-way for sections 1 and 3 and within the present right-of-way for section 2.  The go-ahead was also given for funding for preliminary engineering for the reconstruction of US Highway 441, Chapman Highway (State Route 71) from US Highway 411 (State Route 35/338) to Macon Lane. The improvements proposed for this project include an upgrade to the present roadway to a five-lane facility consisting of four traffic lanes, a 12-foot center turn lane, 6-foot shoulders including curbs and gutters and sidewalks. “Through the Department of Transportation’s long range planning process, we have worked strategically to develop a needs-based project list,” Bredesen said. “The process involved many citizens, local officials, transportation planners, stakeholders, and legislators across the state. It requires new projects to meet specific criteria in order to be funded, and continues to fulfill the state’s commitment to complete projects already in the development phase.” The Long Range Transportation Plan includes a provision for the yearly issuance of a 3-year multi-modal plan for projects and programs that will enable the state to achieve Tennessee’s transportation vision as outlined in the plan. TDOT will have an estimated budget of $1.7 billion for the next fiscal year.