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. Due to the size of the proposed improvements, TDOT has split the project into several segments.
Four spot improvements are in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2027. Concepts for the remainder of the corridor will continue to be developed and added to the plan.
Current Status: TDOT is currently working with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) on a targeted approach. Four targeted approach locations have been identified and are currently in preliminary engineering and environmental studies are scheduled on locations to the east.
Estimated construction start: Fiscal Year 2027
Estimated completion: TBD
| 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. |
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.
Public Involvement and Engagement
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) hosted informational public meetings in 2024 and 2025 to gather public input on the US 64 Project. Another meeting is tentatively scheduled for fall 2026.
Public Meeting Materials
TDOT hosted two public information meetings in September of 2024 and September 2025, to gather public input on the proposed Corridor K Targeted Approach projects in Polk County. The meeting was held at Shiloh Baptist Church located at 358 US 64 in Ocoee. Materials from each of those meetings are listed below:
September 30, 2025, Corridor K Public Meeting Presentation
September 30, 2025, Corridor K Public Meeting Handout
September 10, 2024, Corridor K Public Meeting Presentation
September 10, 2024, Corridor K Public Meeting Comments
Project Imagery and Visuals
Corridor K Design Concepts for Locations 3, 4, 7, and 9.
Corridor K Locations 3 & 4 Visualization
Corridor K Location Site Boards:
Location 3
Location 4
Location 7
Location 9
Location 10
Location 12
Environment
Feasibility studies and environmental reviews will be conducted for all proposed improvements to Corridor K. Environmental studies will be coordinated with state and federal agencies and conducted during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document development process.
Environmental Documents were completed as D-List Categorical Exclusion for Locations 3 and 4 in June 2025.
Project Contacts
Rae Anne Bradley
TDOT Region 2 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: (423) 510-1164
Email: Rae-Anne.Bradley@tn.gov
Michael O’Donnell, P.E.
Region 2 Project Management Director
Phone: (423) 634-8622
Email: Michael.Odonnell@tn.gov
*Subject to change