Maynardville Highway (State Route 33)

History and Background

Proposed improvements were initiated in 1998 in response to transportation needs communicated to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on behalf of the Knoxville Metropolitan Planning Organization. These improvements were intended to address congestion, correct operational and geometric deficiencies and support future economic development activities in and around the study area. The proposed improvements along SR 33 included the reconstruction and widening of approximately 16 miles of a primarily two-lane roadway in Knox and Union Counties from north of SR 71 in Knox County to SR 61 in Maynardville. The overall improvements were broken up into three projects.

SR 33 serves as a critical connection route from Knoxville through Maynardville. The purpose of widening SR 33 is to create a safer and more efficient route by improving traffic flow and increasing the capacity of traffic by adding travel lanes.

Design

The 5.34-mile-long project will include 5.08 miles of widening from the Knox County line tying into the existing pavement south of SR 144. The alignment will consist of four 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction, with a 12-foot center turn lane and 10-foot shoulders, which will extend across the whole span of the project. The proposed project includes the construction of one 200-foot I-beam bridge over Bull Run Creek. This project also includes the construction of a box bridge and the installation of multiple roadway signs and pavement markings. 

Key Project Milestones

October 3, 2024

The contractor continues digging out the cut for the second retaining wall. GSI mobilized back to work on retaining wall 2. AT&T has almost completed relocation in the middle section of the project. Storm drainage facilities continue to be installed. Whaley completed the pour of the top slab on the right side of the last box culvert. The contractor is preparing 2 box culverts for traffic switches. 

September 12, 2024

The contractor continues digging the cut for the second retaining wall. Once GSI begins work on Retaining Wall 2, the contractor will move to the cuts near the beginning of the project. AT&T continues relocation in the middle section. Storm drainage facilities continue to be installed. The contractor completed installation of soil nails and the first layer of shotcrete at Retaining Wall 1. Whaley completed the pour of the top slab on the right side of the last box culvert. 

August 14, 2024

The contractor continues to backfill the left side of the box culvert at Raccoon Valley. The contractor continues digging out the cut for the second retaining wall. AT&T continues relocation work in the middle section. Sewer and water facilities continue to be installed. The contractor continues installing soil nails and the first layer of shotcrete at Retaining Wall 1. Whaley has started forming and pouring of the top slab on the right side of the last box culvert. 

July 17, 2024

The contractor continues to backfill the left side of the box culvert at Raccoon Valley. AT&T continues relocation work. Sewer and water facilities continue to be installed. Water and sewer are complete from Raccoon Valley to the end of the project. The department has added two soil nail walls to the contract, and the contractor has begun clearing the cuts for retaining wall 1. The contractor continues demolition of the last box culvert. Once completed, Whaley can begin construction of the new box culvert. 

Project Imagery & Visuals