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TDOT Region 1 outlines faster delivery, safety and resurfacing programs for Knox TPO area

Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Executive Board · February 25, 2026

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Summary

TDOT Region 1 told the TPO executive board that a Project Delivery Network and consolidated 3-year program plans aim to shorten project timelines to about 3–5 years; staff described resurfacing, vulnerable-road-user projects, signal upgrades and a forthcoming Region 1 bridge repair program.

Randy Bussler, manager for Project Delivery and Programs in TDOT Region 1, briefed the TPO on an organizational overhaul meant to speed project delivery by creating cross-functional project teams led by project managers and technical leads. Bussler said the Project Delivery Network aims to condense many sequential steps into more concurrent work and set a realistic delivery goal of 3–5 years for program projects where right-of-way, utilities and environmental work allow.

"Our goal right now is 3 to 5 years," Bussler said. He reviewed TDOT program streams posted on the Region 1 website, including resurfacing (a 3-year plan), the Vulnerable Road User/PRSI program (pedestrian and nonmotorist safety projects), HSIP and spot-safety projects, PMI33 signal upgrades (many funded with carbon-reduction funds), a State Industrial Access (SIA) program tied to economic development and an upcoming bridge repair program.

Bussler said resurfacing projects are scheduled by fiscal-year letting windows and flagged that when TDOT repaves corridors it must bring curb ramps it touches up to current standards. He noted some state-aid bridges and corridor projects have coordination challenges (railroad coordination, right-of-way and utility work) that can affect schedules, but said TDOT has improved estimating and budgeting to reduce late-year funding shortfalls.

Staff offered to circulate the presentation and live links and confirmed that each program’s 3-year plan is available online and via the meeting agenda. TDOT and TPO staff encouraged jurisdictions to reach out for project-specific questions and to watch for upcoming public meetings on corridor studies such as the West 4075 (Pell) study.

The board thanked staff and requested the presentation materials and links be shared.