TPO board approves Oak Ridge corridor study modification, allocates $100,000 for planning

The TPO Executive Board voted to approve a modification to the FY2026–27 planning work program to fund a corridor study of Tennessee and Central avenues in Oak Ridge. Staff said the total requested planning budget is $100,000, with $50,000 coming from complete‑streets funding, $42,500 drawn from federal planning funds (the board’s 15% match requirement), and $7,500 from the City of Oak Ridge.

City Manager Heeman, who spoke during the presentation, described the area as an important connection point with redevelopment potential and said the study will consider how to create a more pedestrian‑friendly environment. "This is a very important area for us because ... we are doing feasibility right now on moving the municipal building to that building," Heeman said, explaining the study’s role in planning around a potential municipal relocation and adjacent redevelopment.

Staff told the board the study would be managed by the City of Oak Ridge and that a consultant would be engaged. The item was presented as a modification (staff said TDOT classifies these as modifications rather than amendments), the technical committee had unanimously recommended approval, a motion to approve was seconded and the board voted in favor. Staff estimated the study would take roughly 8–12 months to complete.

Board members did not raise substantive objections during discussion. The board’s approval allows Oak Ridge to proceed with procurement and consultant engagement under the TPO work program.

The TPO will post planning‑study materials and the modification paperwork with the work program; staff invited other jurisdictions to propose studies from the TPO reserve funds as well.