The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has unveiled a $350 million plan to widen more than six miles of State Route 170 (Edgemoor Road) in Anderson County and expand the aging Clinch River Bridge to four lanes. Officials say the project will improve safety, ease congestion and enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists along a key East Tennessee corridor.
Work is planned on a 6.18-mile portion of the roadway located between Clinton Highway (U.S. 25W) and Oak Ridge Highway (State Route 62). TDOT plans new traffic signals at multiple intersections, while keeping existing signals at Melton Lake Drive and Clinton Highway.
The project will widen a two-lane section west of Walnut Valley Road to four lanes, including two 12-foot travel lanes, a variable median and 8-foot shoulders. East of Walnut Valley Road, the two- to three-lane section would be expanded to five lanes with two 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot two-way left-turn lane and 8-foot shoulders. Turn lanes will be added at key intersections.
Plans also call for a 10-foot shared-use path on the southside, a 5-foot sidewalk on the northside and guardrails as needed. Posted speed limits would be reduced from 55 mph to 50 mph. The Clinch River bridge would be widened from two to four lanes with a painted median.
State officials presented the plan and an environmental assessment during public meetings in late October. The public comment period runs through Nov. 20. Final design and environmental review are expected to be completed in 2026, with right-of-way acquisition beginning the same year. The work will require acquisition of 87 properties and rights of way. TDOT estimates this will affect 18 businesses and 69 homeowners and will be completed in three years. Construction is slated to begin in fiscal year (FY) 2029 and last about four years if the project remains on schedule.
Because of the corridor’s length, the project has been divided into two sections: from near the interchange with State Route 62 to near Melton Lake Drive and from near Melton Lake Drive to State Route 9 (U.S. 25W). Both are identified in TDOT’s 10-Year Project Plan and are expected to receive partial funding from the state’s Transportation Modernization Fund.
TDOT officials say the project is a long-term investment in one of East Tennessee’s busiest routes, which serves commuters, businesses and nearby recreation areas. If construction stays on schedule, the expanded roadway and bridge could open to traffic by 2033.
Photo by Kelly from Pexels
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