State Route 115 (US 129) Alcoa Highway Little River to Maloney Road

Traffic Impacts

History and Background

This project is part of a larger effort to reconstruct and widen Alcoa Highway from State Route 35 (Hall Road) to Cherokee Trail in Blount and Knox Counties. Due to the significant size of the overall project, the proposed improvements have been separated into seven smaller sections or phases. To read more about all improvements for the corridor, visit the Alcoa Highway project website.

Alcoa Highway from north of Little River to south of Maloney Road is one of seven sections that will improve the corridor in Blount and Knox Counties. The section between Little River to Maloney Road will follow the existing alignment, widening the roadway to six lanes (three in each direction) with a concrete median barrier wall.

No left turn movements will be allowed along this section of Alcoa Highway. Interchanges and frontage roads will provide safe access to other local roads, local businesses, and neighborhoods.

The intersections at Topside Road and John Sevier Highway will be redesigned to provide access to Alcoa Highway via on- and off-ramps. Four new bridges will be constructed (at Topside Road, John Sevier Highway, Knox Creek, and CSX Railroad) to provide connections to either access ramps or frontage roads.

A greenway will be constructed to run the length of the project and will eventually provide a connection between the Knoxville and Blount County Greenways.

Public Involvement and Engagement

Project Imagery & Visuals

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/infoonprojectsregion1/sr-115-alcoa-hwy/little-river-to-maloney-rd/Alcoa_Hwy_Little_River_to_Maloney_091120b.jpg

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/infoonprojectsregion1/sr-115-alcoa-hwy/little-river-to-maloney-rd/Alcoa_Hwy_Little_River_to_Maloney_091120c.jpg

Traffic Movements Governor John Sevier Highway Interchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tioHTsVCwM&t=11s

Traffic Movements Top Side Road Interchange:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhc_ZTuSZ14

Environment

During construction, special measures will be taken to minimize impacts to utilities, the railroad, and lakes and streams in the area.

Key Project Milestones

July 3, 2023

Bridge 1 texture coating over the RR is scheduled. Bridge 2 slip ramp has been completed and crews are prepping to pave the approaches. Bridge 3 phase 2 has been completed. Bridge 4 phase 1 demo is ongoing. Crews are currently removing the beams. Bridge 5 deck spans has been completed. Crews continue excavation at the revised presplit area and grading operations between Bridge 3 & 4. Crews are installing storm in the median on the south end of the job.

May 31, 2023

Bridge 1 texture coating over the RR is scheduled. Bridge 2 slip ramp has been poured and crews are installing backfill at bridge ends. Bridge 3 deck has been poured. Bridge 4 phase 1 demo is ongoing. Crews are currently removing the beams. Bridge 5 deck spans are being poured. Spans 1-7 have been completed. Crews continue excavation at the revised pre-split area and grading operations between Bridge 3 & 4.

April 30, 2023

Bridge 1 has been substantially completed and opened to Topside West traffic.  Bridge 2 crews are installing overhead jacks for Bridge 2 slip ramp. Bridge 3 phase 2 beams have been set and crews are installing metal decking. Bridge 4 phase 1 demo is underway. The deck and parapets have been removed and crews will remove the beams once cranes become available. Bridge 5 caps are being formed and poured. Roughly 75% complete. Crews continue grade work at the new Topside and Scenic River Road intersection. Crews continue excavation at the revised presplit area and grading operations between Bridge 3 & 4.

April 18, 2023

TRAFFIC ALERT: Motorists traveling northbound on Alcoa Highway (SR 115/US 129) in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have an effect on traffic. On Wednesday, April 19, the Alcoa Highway (SR 115/US 129) northbound exit ramp to John Sevier Highway (SR 168) will be shifted. The new exit for John Sevier Highway (SR 168) will be moved further south and follow a new alignment to allow for construction of the John Sevier Highway (SR 168) intersection. This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution as workers will be present.

March 31, 2023

Bridge 1 complete and will soon be open to West Topside Traffic. Bridge 2 revised work is complete to beams. Bridge 3 phase 2 is complete to cap and beam will be set soon. Bridge 4 demo is underway and beams will be removed soon. Excavation at revised presplit area is ongoing. Paving operations along mainline Alcoa Highway are ongoing.

February 7, 2023

Bridge 1 overhang jacks are being installed. Tunnel bore has been completed and crews are preparing to install sewer pipe. Excavation at revised presplit #3 is ongoing. Crews will be paving at the north end of the job at Power Drive and then in the median. Crews have begun Bridge 3 demo and plan to begin Bridge 4 once submittal is approved. 

November 28, 2022

Bridge 1 decking pans have been set. Once crews are available they will begin installing overhang jacks. Tunnel Boring sub tentatively scheduled for December 5. SB traffic has been shifted onto phase 1 of bridge 3 and 4. NB traffic has been shifted to the outside at Sta 168+50 (just north of JS). Crews will be paving at the north end of the job at Power Drive and then in the median. Crews have begun Bridge 3 demo and plan to begin Bridge 4 once submittal is approved.

September 26, 2022

Bridge 1 decking pans have been set and crews will soon begin installing overhang jacks. Crews are awaiting RR approval before beginning sewer bore construction. Bridge 4 phase deck is complete. Crews are now working on approaches in preparation for the Phase 2 traffic shift. Crews will begin paving along the SB outside lanes onto Bridge 3 and Bridge 4 phase 1 as well as the NB outside lanes (just north of Bridge 2) to begin construction of phase 2 work. Stansell Electric working on light installation at John Sevier Highway. 

August 25, 2022

Bridge 1 beams have been set and crews are installing the metal decking. Crews are awaiting RR approval before beginning sewer bore construction. Bridge 4 phase 1 ovehang jacks are being constructed. Crews are grading the SB outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4. Crews are constructing the storm at Wall 7. Stansell Electric working on light installation at John Sevier Highway. 

July 28, 2022

Bridge 1 abutments and bents complete. 75% of beams set. COM easement and haul road complete. Digging pits for sewer bore. Bridge 3 phase 1 deck and approach complete. Bridge 4 phase 1 beams and decking set. Preparing to set overhang jacks. Crews are grading the SB outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4. East Topside Rd to DeArmond Spring Road has been completed and opened to Alcoa Highway. Crews are working on the KCUD pump station installation. 

July 1, 2022

The intersection of East Topside Road at Alcoa Highway was opened on July 1, 2022. Bridge 1 abutments and bents are complete. Preparing to set beams. Bridge 3 phase one deck has been poured. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams pending RR approval. Crews are grading the SB outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4. Crews are working on the KCUD pump station installation. Graded separated wall at East Topside connector is under construction. 

May 31, 2022

Bridge 1 abutments and bents complete. Preparing to set beams. Crews preparing to begin clearing for the COM tunnel bore. Bridge 3 phase one deck pour took place in May.  Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Crews are grading the SB outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4. June 1st portion of East Topside Rd and Alcoa Highway will be closed for construction on DeArmond Spring Road. Grading crews working on East Topside Connector. Graded separated wall at East Topside connector is under construction. 

April 27, 2022

Bridge 1 abutments and bents complete. Preparing to set beams. Ramp A & F concrete paving is ongoing. Northbound traffic shifted onto new bridge 2. Demolition of old bridge completed on April 23, 2022. Bridge 3 phase one beams set and deck construction has begun. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Crews are grading the Southbound outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4. Grading crews working on East Topside Connector.

April 4, 202

Bridge 1 abutments and bents complete. Preparing to set beams. Construction of Wall 7  phase 1 is complete. Wall 5 is complete. Bridge 3 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Northbound traffic will soon be shifted to the new bridge over John Sevier Highway. Crews are grading the southbound outside lanes at Wall 6 in preparation for the traffic shift onto phase 1 of Bridge 3 & 4.

March 1, 2022

Bridge 1 abutments and bents complete. Preparing to set beams. Construction of Wall 7  is ongoing. Crews are working on the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project to the north. Wall 5 is 95% complete. Bridge 3 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Preparing to set beams. Wall 6 construction is ongoing. NB traffic will soon be shifted to the new bridge over John Sevier Highway. SB traffic will be shifted to the inside lanes at the North end of the project to allow crews to complete phase 1 work on the outer lanes. 

January 25, 2022

Bridge 1 abutment 1 & 2 & bent 1 & 3 complete. Crews are currently working on Bent 2. Construction of Wall 7  is ongoing. Paving has begun along proposed mainline from Bridge 1 to Bridge 3. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge once done. Utility crews working on the south end and east side of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer, electrical). Crews are working on the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project to the north. Wall 5 is 90% complete. Bridge 3 phase one completed to cap. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Wall 6 is being excavated.

December 22, 2021

Topside West has been opened back to 2 lanes. Bridge 1 abutment 1 & 2 and bent 1 & 3 complete. Crews are currently working on Bent 2.  Construction of Wall 7  is ongoing. Paving to start soon along proposed mainline. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge once done.  Utility crews working on the south end and east side of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer, electrical). Crews are working on the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project to the north.  Wall 5 is 90% complete.  Bridge 3 phase one completed to cap. Bridge 4 phase one completed to cap. Wall 6 is being excavated.

 November 29, 2021

Walls 1 & 1b are complete. Paving to take place soon to open Topside West back to 2 lanes. Bridge 1 abutment 1 and 2 complete. Bent 3 complete. Bent 1 has begun Crews are currently constructing footers and pouring columns. Construction of Wall 7 is ongoing. Paving to start soon along proposed mainline. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge once done. Utility crews working on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer). Clearing for electric taking place between I.C. King Park entrances NB. Crews are working on the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project to the north. Wall 5 is 90% complete. Bridge 3 abutment 1 piles complete. Abutment 2 phase 1 is complete. Bridge 4 bent 1 & 2 is complete.

October 22, 2021

Wall 1 & 1b at Topside West continues. Walls 1 & 1b are 95% complete. Bridge 1 abutment 1 and 2 complete. Bent 3 complete. Bent 1 has begun.  Construction of Wall 7 & 7B is ongoing. Stone grading continues for the proposed mainline through the entire project. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge soon. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer). Crews are working on the north end of the project, completing the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project. Construction of Wall 5 is 90% complete. Bridge 3 abutment complete. Abutment 2 phase 1 complete. Bridge 4 bent 1 & 2 is complete.

September 22, 2021

Bridge 1 and Wall 1 at Topside West continues. Crews will continue the construction of Walls. Crews have begun construction of Wall 7B. Stone grading operations have continued for the proposed mainline through the entire project. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge soon. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer). Crews are working on the north end of the project, completing the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project. Completion of Wall 5.

August 13, 2021

Bridge 2 parapet rails will be poured and this will complete phase 1 construction of the bridge. Bridge 1 and Wall 1 at Topside West continues. Crews will continue the construction of Walls. Crews have begun construction of Wall 7B. Stone grading operations have continued for the proposed mainline through the entire project. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge soon. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer). Crews are working on the north end of the project, completing the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project.  Completion of Wall 5. Construction of Wall 6.

July 20, 2021

Bridge 2 parapet rails will be poured and this will complete phase 1 construction of the bridge. Bridge 1 and Wall 1 at Topside West continues. Excavation for the wall foundation and the bridge abutment is ongoing. Wall 7 North has been completed and crews have started pouring the moment slab. Stone grading operations have continued for the proposed mainline from Topside Road to Bridge 3. Traffic will be shifted to the center onto the new John Sevier Bridge soon. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer). Crews are working on the north end of the project. Crews are completing the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project, along with completion of Wall 5.

 June 5, 2021

Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is ongoing. Approach slabs have been completed and crews are scheduled to begin work on parapet rails. Bridge 1 and Wall 1 at Topside Road has continued on the West side. Crews are excavating for the wall foundation and the bridge abutment. Crews continue to install panels, straps and fill for the construction of Wall 7. Fill and grading operations have continued for the proposed mainline from Topside Road to Bridge 3. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project (Gas, Water, Sewer and Overhead Electric). Crews are working on the north end of the project and completing the proposed widening to tie-in the mainline to the adjacent project. 

May 5, 2021

Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is ongoing. Crews are tying steel and setting forms for upcoming deck pour. Crews continue construction of Wall #7. Crews are currently installing panels and straps on the north end of the wall. Crews continue construction of Wall #5. Crews have completed foundation work and are now installing panels. Star Construction is onsite installing the proposed power poles. Utility crews continue work on the south end of the project locating existing lines and mapping out proposed.

March 11, 2021

Crews have poured median barrier wall from Bridge 1 to just north of Bridge 2 and will continue. The UT Farms driveway has been paved and crews are finishing up pavement dropoff grading. Once opened, the driveway connected to Alcoa Highway will be shut off and traffic will be shifted to begin work on widening the South end of the project. Crews have begun construction of Ramp A at Montlake starting with utilities and fill operations. Crews have begun fill operations at the proposed Montlake Court. Stansell Electric setting light poles at various locations as they become available. Utilities continue work from the North end of the project to Montlake. They are currently placing the proposed water line.

 February 9, 2021

Drainage structures are being installed behind fill activities on the southwest end of the project. Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is ongoing. The beams have been set and crews are now working on the end-walls and preparing the deck. Bridge 1, Bent 3 and Abutment 2 have been completed. Construction of proposed driveway for UT Farms off of Maloney Road has been completed to subgrade and will be paved soon.  Crews have begun construction of Wall 7 by cutting back the 1:1 slope and building foundation.

December 7, 2020

Grading activities are ongoing from East Topside Road to just north of the existing John Sevier Highway. Drainage structures are being installed behind fill activities. Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is underway. Crews have completed Abutment 1 and slope paving. Crews have completed Bent 2 cap and are now driving piles for Abutment 2. Construction of proposed driveway for UT Farms off of Maloney Road has been completed to subgrade. Crews have shifted traffic b/w bridge 3 and 4 and have begun construction on Wall 7.

November 10, 2020

Grading activities are ongoing from East Topside Road to just north of the existing John Sevier Highway.  Drainage structures are being installed behind fill activities. Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is underway. Crews have completed Abutment 1 and slope paving. Crews are constructing Abutment 2 and Bent 2. Construction of proposed driveway for UT Farms off of Maloney Road. Crews continue work on 6x6 Box Culvert. Crews have begun fill in the median at Bridge 3 in order to shift traffic and begin construction on Wall 7.

October 7, 2020

Grading activities are ongoing from East Topside Road to just north of the existing John Sevier Highway. Drainage structures are being installed behind fill activities.  Construction of Bridge #2 at John Sevier Highway is underway. Crews are now constructing abutments 1 and 2. Crews continue blasting on the presplit cuts on the East side of Alcoa near Bridge 3 and the ramp to John Sevier Highway.  The contractor is constructing the 6x6 RCP box culvert for the creek crossing of the proposed driveway for UT Farms off Maloney Road.

September 10, 2020

Grading activities are ongoing from East Topside Road to just north of the existing John Sevier Highway. Drainage structures are being installed behind fill activities. Construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway is also ongoing. Footers and columns are finished for Bents 1 and 2. Crews have begun work on abutments and the camps for the bents. The contractor is constructing the box culvert for the creek crossing of the proposed driveway for UT Farms off Maloney Road.

April 29, 2020

Crews have begun construction of Bridge 2 at the proposed John Sevier Highway intersection. Crews have excavated for the construction of Bent 1 and have been driving piles. Concrete footers are scheduled to be poured next week. Crews continue to haul dirt from the east side of Alcoa Highway to the proposed centerline of Alcoa Highway near John Sevier Highway. As crews continue construction of Bridge 2 at John Sevier Highway, please be alert and cautious when traveling along this roadway.

Project Materials

[Provide link to fact sheets, past newsletters, FAQs and other project documents such as MOUs.]