KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Tennessee Department of Transportation is asking East Tennesseans to help shape the future of one of the region’s most congested stretches of interstate.
TDOT has completed its Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study for the I-40/I-75 West Knoxville corridor, a 17-mile section of highway running from the I-40/I-75 split in Loudon County to the I-640 interchange in Knoxville.
The study examined long-term solutions aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving travel times and modernizing one of the area’s busiest transportation corridors. After evaluating nine potential alternatives, transportation planners have narrowed the list to two primary options for additional review.
Two Leading Concepts Advance
The first recommended option involves General Purpose Lane Widening, which would expand existing interstate lanes in phases.
Priority improvements would include:
- Widening between Watt Road and Campbell Station Road
- Widening between Campbell Station Road and Pellissippi Parkway
- Improvements from Papermill Drive to the I-640 interchange
- Reconstruction of the I-640 interchange
Additional phases would focus on widening sections between Pellissippi Parkway and Papermill Drive.
The second option would create Choice Lanes, a managed-lane system extending from the I-75 western split to the I-640 interchange.
Under this concept, a significant portion of the project near Papermill Drive would be elevated above existing roadways. TDOT officials say the elevated design would help navigate challenging terrain and reduce impacts on nearby neighborhoods and businesses.
Other Ideas Removed from Consideration
Several alternative proposals were reviewed but did not advance in the study process.
Among the concepts eliminated were:
- A full Interstate 75 bypass
- Collector-distributor road systems
- Dedicated express bus lanes
TDOT said those alternatives did not meet the study’s primary goals as effectively as the two recommended options.
No Final Decisions Yet
Transportation officials emphasized that no construction plans or funding commitments have been approved.
The recommendations must still move through additional environmental and engineering reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, commonly known as NEPA.
Public feedback collected during the current comment period could influence how the project moves forward.
Public Comment Period Open Through Nov. 26
Residents may review study materials and submit comments through Nov. 26.
Printed copies of the study are available for public review at:
- Lenoir City Public Library
- Farragut Branch Library
- Bearden Branch Library
TDOT officials say community input will play a key role in determining the next steps for future improvements to one of the Knoxville region’s most heavily traveled interstate corridors.
