State Route 29 (US 27)

Scott County

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with Federal Highway Administration and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards, TDOT held public meetings on Tuesday, March 16, and Thursday, March 18, 2021, on the proposed project for SR 29 (US 27) in Scott County. Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings were hosted online using Zoom software.

For specific details on the meetings, to obtain meeting materials, or submit comments, view the official Public Notice OR visit the Public Involvement section of this website. (Click on the desired link to view the Public Notice document or Public Involvement tab.)

Quick links to attend each meeting are provided below. Participants are encouraged to join the meeting a few minutes early to test connections via personal phone or electronic device.

Meeting

date/time

Digital Link

PC, MAC, iPad, iPhone, or Android devices*

Audio Only

cell phone or landline

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

7:00 p.m. EST

https://kimley-horn.zoom.us/j/92611065457

Toll Free:

(888) 475-4499 or (833) 548-0276

Zoom Meeting ID:

926 1106 5457

NOTICE: Due to technical issues, Tuesday night’s virtual public meeting was delayed approximately 10 minutes. If you attempted to sign in at the designated start time and were unable to do so, you are encouraged to join us Thursday night for the second meeting. TDOT apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates your patience.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

7:00 p.m. EST

https://kimley-horn.zoom.us/j/94083706618

Toll Free:

(888) 475-4499 or (833) 548-0276

Zoom Meeting ID:

940 8370 6618

*data rates apply

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.

SR 29 (US 27) Project Location Map

Project Location Map

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.

Wolf Creek to Old US 27

Phase 1 includes construction of two 12-foot travel lanes with 12-foot shoulders on new location. Truck climbing lanes and turn lanes will also be constructed along the route. Approximately 250 feet of variable right-of-way will be purchased to accommodate Phase 2 construction.

Wolf Creek to Old US 27 Phase 1

Old US 27 to State Route 63

Phase 1 does not include construction activities but would include the purchase of 25 to 35 feet of right-of-way on either side of the roadway to accommodate Phase 2 construction.                                                                   

Old US 27 to State Route 63 Phase 1

    

Phase 2 includes construction of two additional 12-foot travel lanes, resulting in a five-lane facility with two travel lanes in each direction, center turn lane, and 10-foot paved shoulders. Right-of-Way width would vary but would generally be 250 feet.                                              

Wolf Creek to Old US 27 Phase 2

    

Phase 2 includes construction of two additional 12-foot travel lanes, resulting in a five-lane facility with two travel lanes in each direction, center turn lane, and 10-foot paved shoulders. Right-of-Way widths would vary between 150 and 860 feet.

Old US 27 to State Route 63 Phase 2

Click on image to view larger size.