Knox County removes multiple roadway projects from mobility plan due to funding issues

The City of Knoxville held a significant meeting on April 8, 2025, to discuss updates to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the mobility plan. The meeting focused on the removal and addition of various transportation projects, reflecting the need to align with the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) updated ten-year plan.

The meeting began with a review of the total project costs, noting a reduction due to the separation of development and construction costs. A key discussion point was the Kingston Pike project, which will extend from Metron Center Way to Huxley Road, addressing congestion in the area.

Several projects were identified for removal from the TIP due to misalignment with the ten-year plan. These included the widening projects on Veil Road, State Road 11529, Emery Road, and the Chapman Highway operational and safety projects. The interchange at Sharps Gap and the Pellissippi Parkway interchange at Solway were also removed, as they do not fit within the current funding framework.

In contrast, the meeting highlighted the addition of a new design phase for the I-75 widening project west of the 4075 split in Loudoun County, funded by state resources for fiscal year 2025. The discussion emphasized the importance of these projects for safety and mobility, with officials expressing hope that some of the removed projects could be reinstated in future updates to the ten-year plan.

Concerns were raised about the prioritization of projects, particularly regarding safety issues on the Pellissippi extension and the Old Oak Ridge Highway. Officials acknowledged these concerns and indicated that TDOT would be updating the ten-year plan annually, allowing for potential re-evaluation of project priorities.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the TIP amendment, which passed unanimously. The discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in Knoxville, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.