State Route 93 from Interstate 81 to State Route 347 (Lone Star Road)
Sullivan and Washington CountiesThe project along State Route (SR) 93, from Interstate 81 to SR 347 (Lone Star Road) in Sullivan and Washington Counties, consists of spot improvements. The purpose and need for this project 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.
Current Status: Right of way acquisitions are under way for the 3rd section of the project.
Construction start: TBD
Estimated completion*: Section 1 completed in 2021, Section 2 completed in 2022 and Section 3’s construction completion has not yet been identified.
Funding Type:

Traffic Impacts
Any upcoming lane closures, detours or traffic shifts will be updated here.

History and Background
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 were 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. Improvements 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.

Public Involvement and Engagement
· Right-of-Way Meeting – May 17, 2016
· Public Design Meeting – May 22, 2014
· Public Informational Meeting – April 18, 2013

Project Imagery & Visuals
[Insert necessary maps or project imagery (e.g., concept designs, maps, photos, renderings, right of way maps, traffic shift/lane shift maps)]

Environment
All Environmental Studies for all sections of this project were completed in the Spring of 2015.
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.

Key Project Milestones
Improvements to SR 93, between I-81 and SR 347 (Lone Star Road), consist of three sections.
Section 1 – Fall Branch |
|
Right-of-way plans and acquisitions |
Completed 2015-16 |
Construction |
Completed 2021 |
Section 2 – Horse Creek |
|
Right-of-way plans and acquisitions |
Completed 2015-16 |
Construction |
Completed 2022 |
Section 3 – Industrial Access Area |
|
Right-of-way plans and acquisitions |
Completed 2016-17 |
Construction |
Not identified for construction in TDOT's three-year work program |

Project Materials
FAQs can be found here.
Project Contacts
Project Manager: Eric Wilson; Eric.Wilson@tn.gov
Community Relations Officer: Mark Nagi; Mark.Nagi@tn.gov
Project Email Address: TDOT.Comments@tn.gov
*Subject to change