TDOT Announces Project to Improve I-26 Interchange at State Route 75

 

 

“As the Tri-Cities area continues to grow, it’s important that our interstate infrastructure keeps pace,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “State Route 75 leads to the Gray Fossil Museum and Site as well as the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. The proposed interchange is needed to improve safety and  reduce congestion in the area.”

 

At the request of the Johnson City Metropolitan Planning Organization and the urging of Representative Dale Ford, TDOT initiated an interchange modification study on the I-26 interchange at SR-75 in the spring of 2010. The study found both safety and traffic concerns that warrant an improvement project. During a three year period, TDOT found there were 187 crashes in the area of SR-75 and I-26. In addition, the current bridge on SR-75 accommodates two travel lanes and will be over capacity before the 2030 planning horizon.

 

“This is an important link to the Gray community and the entire Tri-Cities region and I’m pleased to see TDOT moving forward with this important improvement at the I-26 interchange with State Route 75,” said Representative Dale Ford. “This project is clearly needed not only to improve safety, but also to support future growth in this area.”

 

TDOT plans to widen the bridge on State Route 75 over I-26 from two lanes to four lanes with two 12 ft. shoulders. The project will also include a new off ramp from I-26 eastbound and other ramp modifications.

 

The project is estimated to cost around $12 million.  TDOT will begin the preliminary engineering phase this fiscal year.