TDOT Urged to Expand Hwy 411 Project

Auspicious outcome to Rep. Jeremy Faison and Local Officials’ request

L/R – Max Fultz (Bush Beans), Scott Schroeder (Bush Beans), Representative Jeremy Faison, Mayor Vaughn Moore, Glenn Ray (Newport Utilities)

State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) invited a host of local officials and business industry leaders to meet with the Department of Transportation this week. The group urged TDOT to include a 1.5 mile stretch in the initial phase of the Highway 411 project leading into Chestnut Hill. The project phase was currently slated to stop short before reaching a major regional employer. The next phase of the project would have picked back up in Sevier County. It will take a few years to complete the project back to the phase one endpoint.

“Extending the project will be a major economic boost to our area. Continuing the path will allow the Bush plant to expand and utilities to be ran in the area, thus bringing more jobs to the region. Really, it’s a win-win for everyone if they continue the project as requested,” said Faison.

Cocke County Mayor Vaughn Moore, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, and Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri were all in agreement concerning the expansion. “Including the additional mile or so past Grapevine Hollow Road in the initial project phase will solve various safety and economic development issues. I’m grateful to Deputy Commissioner Paul Degges for listening to our concerns and working to make our request a reality,” said Moore.

Degges stated it was likely TDOT would be able to continue the project as requested as long as funding is available.