State Route 449 (Veterans Boulevard)
Sevier CountyThe Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is proposing to extend State Route 449 in Sevier County. The proposed project will extend SR 449 approximately 0.7 miles from SR 35 (US 411, Dolly Parton Parkway) to near Robert Henderson Road. The proposed typical section will include four 12-foot travel lanes (two travel lanes in each direction) with a raised concrete median and turn lanes added at intersections. A 5-foot sidewalk extends along the eastern side of the roadway and a 10-foot greenway extends on the western side of the roadway. The proposed design includes construction of a new bridge crossing the Little Pigeon River as well as signal upgrades and installations at the intersections of SR 449 and Dolly Parton Parkway and SR 449 and Robert Henderson Road.
The purpose of the project is to enhance regional transportation linkage and to meet the legislative intent of the IMPROVE Act by improving an important infrastructure facility in Sevier County.
This project is identified for funding in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2025.
Current Status: Right-of-Way appraisal and acquisition is underway
Estimated construction start: Fiscal Year 2025.
Estimated completion*: TBD
Funding Type: TDOT anticipates that a portion of this project will be funded through the Transportation Modernization Fund.
History and Background
This project was originally initiated by local stakeholders in and around Sevier County and is a part of a larger proposed expansion of SR 449. Local stakeholders initially contracted with a design consultant to complete the proposed design. TDOT has committed to take over the project and let it to construction.
Environment
A D-List Categorical Exclusion was completed by TDOT and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on June 16, 2023.
Key Project Milestones
Environmental Document Approval: June 16, 2023
Right-of-Way: Began August 11, 2023
Project Contacts
Mark Nagi
TDOT Region 1 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: 865.594.0161
Email: Mark.Nagi@tn.gov
John Sherk
TDOT Region 1 Project Management
John.Sherk@tn.gov