US 64 (Corridor K)
Polk County
A series of projects have been identified for US 64, commonly referred to as Corridor K. The proposed spot improvements would cover approximately 20 miles of the corridor, from west of the Ocoee River to State Route (SR) 68 near Ducktown. The purpose of the proposed projects is to improve the safety and efficiency of the route, as well as regional mobility and connectivity. The improvements would preserve environmental quality and support economic development.
Proposed design improvements include roadway widening, guardrail installation, and curve correction, as well as intersection and recreational access improvements. Proposed rockfall mitigation includes rock excavation and catch fence installation. Additionally, a bridge-and-tunnel option is being considered on the south end of the project area. Due to the size of the proposed improvements, TDOT has split the project into several segments.
Four spot improvements are identified for funding in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2025.
Current Status: TDOT is currently working with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) on a targeted approach. Both financial and environmental challenges at the federal, state and local levels have delayed the development of the corridor.
Estimated construction start: Fiscal Year 2025
Estimated completion: TBD
History and Background
Corridor K is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), which stretches 127 miles between Cleveland, Tennessee, and Dillsboro, North Carolina. The section of Corridor K, known as the Ocoee River Gorge section, includes 20 miles of US 64 between the Ocoee River and Ducktown.
The Ocoee River Gorge section of Corridor K is part of the Ocoee Scenic Byway and is a Tennessee Scenic Parkway. It is also the only east-west arterial in the region and serves through, local, and recreational traffic.
The existing two-lane highway does not meet current design standards. The corridor contains numerous roadway deficiencies and safety issues with limited shoulder widths, lack of guardrails, inadequate sight distance, and sharp curves. The windy, rocky terrain also presents a major barrier to development with increased susceptibility to rockslides and lack of convenient detours.
However, funding and environmental challenges have stymied development efforts along Corridor K. TDOT's current approach is to identify targeted spot improvements to improve safety and mobility along the corridor. Four segments are currently identified for funding:
| Polk County |
|
|---|---|
| Location 3: Welcome Valley Road to the bridge over Cloud Branch |
Add a center two-way turning lane, six-foot paved shoulders, a 10-foot shared use path, and replace the bridge over Cloud Branch. |
| Location 4: Bridge over Cloud Branch to east of SR 314 |
Add a center two-way turning lane, six-foot paved shoulders, a 10-foot shared use path, and replace the bridge over Cloud Branch. |
| Location 7: Near the Lake Ocoee Inn to near the Lake Ocoee Marina | Improve the horizontal curve on SR 40 to improve the design speed, add a new entrance to Lake Ocoee Docks and Fuel (including a right-turn lane), and add a westbound left-turn lane. |
| Location 9: Existing USFS Ranger Station access drive to Oswald Road |
Widen SR 40 to provide improved access to the Cherokee National Forest Ranger Station and Chilhowee Recreation area, including a dedicated left-turn lane onto Oswald Road. |
Public Involvement and Engagement
This website will be one of the principal means of public involvement and feedback. Public comments concerning this project can also be submitted to: TDOT.Comments@tn.gov.
To receive email updates on this project, including lane closure information, follow the instructions below.
Click the email link: LISTSERV@LISTSERV.TN.GOV
In the message body, cut and paste the following information: Subscribe JJ_CORRIDORKPROJECT
Send email. (no subject line necessary)
Environment
Feasibility studies and environmental reviews will be conducted for all proposed improvements to Corridor K, including the proposed bridges and tunnels. Environmental studies will be coordinated with state and federal agencies and conducted during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document development process.
Key Project Milestones
Activity |
Completion Date |
Notice of Intent (NOI) to Develop Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) |
September 2010 |
EIS Paused |
Spring 2018 |
Targeted Approach Proposed |
Spring 2018 |
Regional Planning Organization Meeting |
Forecasted for Winter 2020 |
Public Outreach |
Spring 2021 |
Appalachian Regional Commission Meeting |
Spring 2021 |
Project Contacts
Rae Anne Bradley
TDOT Region 2 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: 423.510.1164
Email: Rae-Anne.Bradley@tn.gov
*Subject to change