West Knoxville Corridor

Anderson, Knox and Loudon counties
West Knoxville Corridor_21

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study to evaluate solutions for congestion relief and improved safety along the Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 (I-40/I-75) corridor, as well as evaluation of an alternative corridor within Anderson, Knox, and Loudon counties included in the Study Area.

The I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study will consider improvements to approximately 17 miles of the I-40/I-75 corridor west of Knoxville. The I-40/I75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study limits extend from the I-40/I-75 Interchange in Loudon County to the I-640 Interchange just west of downtown Knoxville.

The I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study will also consider an alternative route on a new alignment to re-evaluate the previously completed planning study for the I-75/I-475 alternative route. Based on preliminary engineering and studies, the I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study will conclude which alternatives would be optimal for advancement into the NEPA Phase and eliminate non-viable alternatives that do not meet the purpose and need and study goals.

In accordance with Title 23 of the United States Code, Section 168 (23 U.S.C. 168), TDOT intends to adopt the planning products and recommendations resulting from the PEL Study. A PEL Study is a technical approach that integrates transportation planning with environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), allowing corridor-level challenges to be identified early through broad, planning-level studies. These studies help pinpoint transportation issues and guide future project development, streamlining decision-making across agencies and expediting project identification and advancement. 

PEL Studies evaluate environmental, social, and economic goals across state, local, and regional levels. PEL Studies also foster early collaboration with the public, transportation and resource agencies, and local governments to support inclusive and effective transportation decision-making.

TDOT’s 10-Year Project Plan includes funding for two projects along this corridor. Rather than approaching these projects as isolated improvements, TDOT intends to use the PEL process to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the corridor.

History and Background

 

History and Background

TDOT has completed previous studies covering portions of the corridor, including:

people

Public Involvement

TDOT is committed to engaging the community throughout this process. Public involvement will include hosting meetings, collecting comments, and distributing digital surveys. TDOT will host a second round of public meetings in June and July 2026.  The three open-house style public meetings will include interactive and informative stations, providing an opportunity to learn more about alternatives being evaluated and next steps in the PEL Study. The content presented will be identical at all three events and will be held at the following times and locations:  

Meeting Dates and Times: 

  • Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET at the Pellissippi State Community College (10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932)  
  • Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET at the Knoxville Public Works Service Center (3131 Morris Ave., TN 37909)  
  • Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET at the Farragut Community Center (239 Jamestowne Blvd., Farragut, TN 37934)   

Have a question before the meeting?  Email us at TDOT.Comments@tn.gov with the subject line “I-40/I-75 West Knoxville
Corridor PEL Study.”

Details for previously held public meetings are listed below:

  • Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. | Farragut Community Center - Assembly Hall | 239 Jamestowne Boulevard Farragut, TN 37934
  • Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. | Pellissippi State Community College - J.L. Goins Administration Building - Student Center | 10915 Hardin Valley Road | Knoxville, TN 37932
  • Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. | City of Knoxville Public Works Service Center - Community Room | 3131 Morris Avenue | Knoxville, TN 37909

The following materials were available at these in-person public meetings: 

Additional Resources:

  • Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Plan (PIACP) – Coming soon!
  • Public Meeting Summary – Coming soon!

Project Contacts

Mark Nagi
TDOT Region 1 Regional Communications Officer (Media)
Email: Mark.Nagi@tn.gov 
Phone: 865.594.0161 

Jason Sholtz 
TDOT Region 1 Alternative Delivery Manager 
Email: Jason.Sholtz@tn.gov

*Subject to change