State Route 93 from Interstate 81 to State Route 347 (Lone Star Road)

Overview

The project along State Route 93, from Interstate 81 to State Route 347 (Lone Star Road) in Sullivan and Washington Counties, consists of spot improvements. A Transportation Planning Report (TPR), dated September 2010, identified the purpose and need for this project, which is to improve safety, provide an upgraded link in the regional transportation system, and improve level of service and overall operations. The project will also promote economic development and correct roadway deficiencies.

Proposed improvements began with five Improvement Options. The final design, Option 5 (Spot Improvements), was selected by TDOT and local officials. 

Spot Improvement Locations pdf 

Proposed Design

The original scope for improving five separate sections of SR 93 has been condensed into three sections, which will be developed separately with the overall goal of construction simultaneously. Sections 1 & 2 are combined. Section 3 is stand-alone. Sections 4 & 5 are combined.

Section 1 (Fall Branch Area) – Citizens in the Fall Branch community are concerned with safety near Fall Branch Elementary School, which has through-traffic mixed with local traffic. Peak traffic hours occur between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., accommodating school buses and other mixed traffic. Improvements include two 12-foot travel lanes with a continuous 12-foot turn lane. Five-foot sidewalks and handicap ramps will be constructed at intersections within this section.

Section 2 (Horse Creek Area) – This area is of major concern due to the narrow roadway and deficient shoulders that has a cliff on one side and a creek with a steep bank on the other side. Porposed improvements would realign SR 93 to improve sight distance and provide two 12-foot lanes with 6-foot shoulders within this section.

Section 3 (Industrial Access Area) – The industrial area at the beginning of this section presents safety concerns due to slow moving equipment that crosses the road between two buildings that are owned by the same business. Additionally, large trucks pull in and out of the businesses. Proposed improvements would include construction of two 12-foot lanes with a 12-foot center turn lane in the industrial area. The existing bridge at Horse Creek would be widened or replaced (TBD). The remainder of this section would have improved sight distance and two 12-foot lanes and 6-foot shoulders.

Historic Properties

In July 2009, TDOT historians performed a preliminary scoping. Fall Branch Elementary School was cited as potentially eligible for the National Register for Historic Properties (NHRP). Several structures in Fall Branch on or adjacent to SR 93 also need to be surveyed for individual eligibility. In Sullivan County, the historians noted at least five structures that need to be surveyed along the existing corridor.