KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Work is underway for the latest section of State Route 115 (US 129/Alcoa Highway) in Knox County, according to a release from TDOT.
The project is part of a large effort to reconstruct and widen Alcoa Highway for almost 13 miles from State Route 35 to Cherokee Trail in Blount and Knox Counties, according to TDOT.
Alcoa Highway is a connection between Knoxville and Alcoa and Maryville. It also provides a route to McGhee Tyson Airport and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The section between S.R. 35 and South Singleton Station Road serves many purposes for commuters, local businesses and airport traffic.
The differing priorities along the section and the remainder of the roadway have resulted in negative safety and capacity issues. The proposed improvements are intended to address transportation needs, such as increasing the capacity and level of service, correcting roadway deficiencies and improving safety.
A modified interchange will be included at Cherokee Trail and the entrance to UT Medical Center, according to the release.
Due to the significant size of the project, the proposed improvements have been separated into seven smaller sections or phases.
You can read more about the improvements and phases here.
