State Route 29 (US 27)

Overview

The proposed project for State Route 29 (US 27), from near Wolf Creek Road to near State Route 63 in Scott County, consists of widening the existing route to a five-lane facility, allowing for a dedicated center turn lane, for approximately 9.1 miles. The proposed design closely follows the existing alignment with a proposed new alignment to the north or the south of Robbins to minimize environmental impacts.

Purpose and Need

SR 29 is the only north-south connector in Scott County. The existing highway is used by local and regional travelers, serving communities like Robbins and providing access to the communities of Sunbright and Wartburg to the south (Morgan County) and Oneida and Winfield to the north (Scott County). It serves commercial, residential, and recreational traffic. The corridor also provides a potential alternate route to I-75.

Geometric deficiencies, including sharp curves, steep grades, and limited sight distances, as well as narrow shoulder widths, lack of turn lanes, infrequent passing lanes, and high truck traffic create potential safety concerns.

Additionally, the route is also located in an economically distressed country, as identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The county’s industrial parks are located immediately adjacent to or near SR 29. The availability and reliability of infrastructure is critical to industries when considering the county for new facilities.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety, operation, and efficiency of the corridor by widening the route and correcting geometric deficiencies. Improvements would also accommodate current and future traffic demands, provide regional connectivity, and support economic development.  

Proposed Design

The proposed design for SR 29 includes construction of a five-lane facility with two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a center turn lane, and 10-foot paved shoulders with variable right-of-way widths.

Various design options, or build alternatives, are being studied regarding the proposed improvements to the route. Outlined below are the specific design features of each Build Alternative.

• No-Build Alternative: This option would not improve SR 29 and serves as a baseline against which to compare the other Build Alternatives.
• Build Alternative A: This option would follow a new alignment, south of existing SR 29, from near Wolf Creek Road to near Concord Road. From north of Concord Road, the new alignment would continue to the northeast, around the east side of Robbins, crossing Brimstone Road and School House Road. After crossing School House Road, the route would turn northwest, crossing Tunnel Hill Road and tying back into existing SR 29 near Old US 27, north of Robbins. From Old US 27, the route would follow existing SR 29 to near SR 63 in Huntsville.
• Build Alternative B: This option would follow a new alignment, south of existing SR 29, from near Wolf Creek Road to near Concord Road. From north of Concord Road, the new alignment would continue to the northwest, around the west side of Robbins, crossing existing SR 29, the Norfolk-Southern railroad, Boles Road, and Todd Road. After crossing Todd Road, the route would then turn northeast, crossing Black Creek Road, Sims Road, and the Norfolk-Southern railroad, before tying back into existing SR 29 near Old US 27, north of Robbins. From Old US 27, the route would follow existing SR 29 to near SR 63 in Huntsville.

Due to the significant size and cost of the project, the proposed improvements will be separated into two smaller sections with multiple phases as outlined below.

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