US 64 Corridor K

Timeline

Transportation projects are developed in four phases: Planning and Environmental, Design, Right-of-Way and Construction. The proposed targeted approach for US 64 / Corridor K in Polk County is currently in the Planning and Environmental Phase. The following is a reflection of various aspects of these phases as they have occurred or will occur for proposed improvements.

*All forecasted dates are subject to change.

Planning for Corridor K began in the 1970s. Both financial and environmental challenges at the federal, state, and local level have delayed the development of the corridor in Polk County. In 2014, TDOT proposed a long tunnel option, which would have spanned six miles at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. In 2018, TDOT began looking at a targeted approach. The proposed targeted approach would allow TDOT to move forward with improvements throughout the 20-mile Ocoee River Gorge section of Corridor K in Polk County.

Currently, TDOT is working with the Appalachian Regional Commission. The ARC is a partnership agency between the federal government and 13 states, including Tennessee, focused on economic development in Appalachia. Once TDOT and the ARC are in agreement on the proposed targeted approach, TDOT will develop planning reports for the identified spot improvements and determine a potential schedule for each project location. TDOT plans to group and prioritize projects based on needs and funding, as well as geotechnical, environmental, traffic, right of way, and construction constraints.