State Route 322
Monroe CountyThe existing roadway along State Route (SR) 322, between Sweetwater-Vonore Road and SR 72, is a two-lane, rural major collector. Construction will increase lane and shoulder widths and correct route deficiencies. The planned improvements are designed to improve safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the corridor. The current roadway consists of varying widths, with 10- to 12-foot travel lanes and 2- to 6-foot shoulders.
The proposed design would allow for 12-foot travel lanes with 8-10 foot shoulders throughout the length of the project. In addition to widening, several locations along the route have been identified for additional safety improvements due to deficiencies in the curvature and grade of the roadway. Correcting the deficiencies will allow for better sight distance at intersections. Additional capacity and safety improvements, including the addition of turn lanes, are also proposed at the intersection of SR 322 and SR 72. Due to the overall corridor length, improvements to SR 322 has been divided into three smaller projects: Sweetwater-Vonore Road to near Acorn Gap Road, From near Acorn Gap Road to Sheppard Road, and Sheppard Road to SR 72.
Current Status: Right of way appraisals and acquisitions are underway for the section from Sheppard Road to SR 72
Construction start: Construction from Sheppard Road to SR 72 is expected to begin in FY2025.
Estimated completion*: TBD
Funding Type: TBD
History and Background
Improvements to SR 322 were studied by TDOT in a 2007 Advanced Planning Report. The APR evaluated 8.5 miles of the corridor, from west of Sunnyside Road to SR 72 in Monroe County. Following ongoing funding concerns, TDOT Commissioner John Schroer authorized a reinvestigation of the proposed project in June 2014. The Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) report was approved in January 2015, which allowed the project to move forward. For more information on project development, visit the Timeline section for this project.
Public Involvement and Engagement
There are no future public involvement meetings scheduled at this time. Previous meetings took place in April 2010, September 2007, and July 2017.
Environment
A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Hearing was held in April 2010 at Sweetwater Primary School, 500 TN-322, Sweetwater, TN 37874. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the findings of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) document and gather public comments. The NEPA document was approved in April 2010 and the Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) was received in December 2010.
Key Project Milestones
West of Sunnyside Road to State Route 72 (full project length) |
|
Advanced Planning Report (APR) Approved |
2007 |
Build Alternatives Workshop (Public Meeting) |
September 2007 |
NEPA1 Document Approved |
April 2010 |
FONSI2 Document Approved |
December 2010 |
TDOT Project Evaluation (due to funding limitations) |
June 2014 |
Advanced Planning Report (APR) Approved (new) |
January 2015 |
Sweetwater-Vonore Road to near Acorn Gap Road |
|
Preliminary Design (underway) |
February 2017 |
Design Public Meeting |
Public Design meeting to be scheduled once project is identified in TDOT’s 3-Year Plan |
From Near Acorn Gap Road to Sheppard Road |
|
Preliminary Design (underway) |
February 2017 |
Design Public Meeting |
Public Design meeting to be scheduled once project is identified in TDOT’s 3-Year Plan |
Sheppard Road to State Route 72 |
|
Preliminary Design (underway) |
April 2016 |
Design Public Meeting |
July 2017 |
ROW Appraisals/Acquisitions |
Underway |
Construction |
Project budgeted in TDOT’s 3-year plan for Construction Activities in Fiscal Year 2025, (Authorization pending completion of ROW Acquisition and receiving necessary water quality permits) |
*All forecasted dates are subject to change.
1. NEPA = National Environmental Policy Act (required by Federal Highway Administration to assess environmental impact)
2. FONSI = Finding of No Significant Impact (required by Federal Highway Administration as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process)
Project Materials
Project Contacts
Mark Nagi
TDOT Region 1 Community Relations Officer (media)
Phone: 865.594.0161
Email: Mark.Nagi@tn.gov
Stacy Weaver, PE
TDOT Region 1
Phone: 865.594.2442
Email: Stacy.Weaver@tn.gov