MediaReleases

Contact: Bob Stahlke, Public Information Officer
Office: 865.453.5506 Cell: 865.755.4914

06/05/07    Public Informational Meeting - Hillsides and Ridges Project – Sevier County and Municipalities
03/09/07    Alcohol Law Seminar
11/17/06    Road Projects Update
11/02/06    Section of Veteran's Blvd. Scheduled To Open
10/05/06    Leaf Collection Season Information
09/22/06    Road Projects Update 9/22/06
09/13/06    Shoplifting Prevention Class and Business Watch Program Presentation
09/13/06    Child Car Safety Seat Check-up Scheduled For 9/16/06
08/27/06    Construction Scheduled For Ernest McMahan/Middle Creek Road Intersection
08/08/06    Sevierville Announces Winterfest Light Improvements
08/07/06    Road Projects Update
07/12/06    Status of Ultraflow Implementation Plan
06/30/06    UPDATED Status Report - Road Projects
06/30/06    Opening of Collier Drive/Closing of Section of Rainbow Road
06/28/06    Revised Ultraflow Implementation Schedule
06/27/06    Fourth of July Holiday Schedules
06/26/06    Child Car Safety Seat Checkpoint
06/22/06    Ultraflow Traffic Plan Implementation Schedule
06/16/06    Status Report - Road Projects
06/08/06    Meeting Date Change

What: Public Informational Meeting - Hillsides and Ridges Project – Sevier County and Municipalities

Where: Pigeon Forge High School Auditorium, 414 Tiger Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN

When: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 6PM – 8PM

The County of Sevier and its municipalities of Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center are working together to consider measures for protecting the region’s sensitive hillsides and ridges. Residents, property owners, business owners and all interested parties are encouraged to participate in this exciting process.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 5, 2007 from 6PM – 8PM at the Pigeon Forge High School Auditorium, located at 414 Tiger Drive in Pigeon Forge.

How do you envision your County’s hillsides and ridges looking in five, ten or twenty years? This public meeting will provide an opportunity for interested participants to identify their concerns of and recommendations for the future of the area’s hillsides and ridges. Your input will help form the basis of measures to ensure the hillsides and ridgelines are appropriately protected for the enjoyment of future generations. Please come and share your thoughts!

For additional information, please contact City of Sevierville PIO Bob Stahlke at 865-453-6740 extension 3118.

What: SPD Offers Seminar To Businesses and Their Employees That Sell Alcohol

Where: Sevierville Civic Center

When: Thursday, March 15, 2007 11:00AM – 12:00PM

The City of Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a one-hour seminar for businesses and their employees that sell alcohol. A new State law will go into effect on July 1, 2007 regarding the sale of alcohol.

The seminar will cover the following:

The requirements of the new law
Penalties for businesses and employees who violate the law
How to identify fake ID cards and what to do when you encounter a fake ID card
How to safely stop serving customers before they become intoxicated
Questions from business owners and employees.

The seminar is scheduled for 11:00AM – 12:00PM on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at the Sevierville Civic Center in the Municipal Complex.

Please call 865-453-7310 extension 3001 to register or if you have questions. The seminar is free.

Road Projects Update
11/17/06

Following is a status report of ongoing and planned road projects within the City of Sevierville. Additional information on these projects, including a map, is available at the City website (www.seviervilletn.org) on the Road Projects page.

Ernest McMahan Road Improvements: Improvements are under construction. Estimated completion is November 2006. A right turn lane from Ernest McMahan Road west onto Middle Creek Road north, and a left turn lane from Middle Creek Road south onto Ernest McMahan Road east will be added.

SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd. (previously known as New Middle Creek Road): The section between Dolly Parton Parkway and Middle Ridge Road was partially opened (one lane in each direction) on Thursday, November 9, 2006. Estimated final completion date is June 2007. This TDOT-funded road will provide a six-lane route from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge.

Gists Creek Road: Two lanes of this four-lane road are currently open to traffic. Estimated final completion date is fall 2007. This road is included in the City’s Central Business Improvement District project.

Old Knoxville Hwy.: Estimated completion date for rebuilding the entire road, from Main Street to Boyd’s Creek Hwy., is 2009. The section from Gists Creek Road to Eagle’s Landing Golf Club (ELGC) was reopened (two of four lanes) on September 27, 2006. This section is scheduled to reopen in September 2006 (two of four lanes). The north and south sections will be completed in phases, but traffic will be maintained during construction.

SR 66 From SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) to SR 448 (North Parkway through Love Addition) Expansion: Purchase of right of way was recently authorized to begin. This TDOT project has been rescheduled several times due to State budget concerns. The current estimated construction start date is winter 2007/2008.The expansion will widen Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes from Boyd’s Creek Hwy. to the new Hwy. 448.

SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd. Northern Extension: Estimated completion is 2009 – 2010. This is included in the City’s Central Business Improvement District project. The new road will connect SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd.(previously known as New Middle Creek Road) at Dolly Parton Parkway to Hwy. 66 and provide another bridge over the Little Pigeon River.

SR 66 From I-40 to SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) Expansion: This TDOT project is not currently scheduled. The expansion will increase Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes, from I-40 to Boyd’s Creek Hwy.

Section of Veteran's Blvd. Scheduled To Open
11/02/06

The City of Sevierville announces that the section of Veteran’s Boulevard between Dolly Parton Parkway and Middle Ridge Road is scheduled to partially open (one lane in each direction) on Friday, November 3, 2006 between 2:00PM – 4:00PM OR on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 between 2:00PM – 4:00PM. The exact opening date is dependent upon weather conditions and construction considerations. The two dates above are days when students will not be in attendance at the Sevierville Primary School on Blanton Drive.

Click here for a map and additional information.

The City has provided the above map of the area and narrative to the Sevierville Primary School for their distribution to parents and staff. The narrative notes the following pertaining to the Primary School:

When the above section of Veteran’s Boulevard is opened, Sevierville Primary School (SPS) parents and staff will be able to access the school from Middle Creek Road or Veteran’s Blvd. The best route to the school will be dependent upon individual considerations. BE SURE to review the map (see reverse) and above information regarding stop signs and intersections when planning your route. Also, it is always good practice to consider a route that minimizes the number of left turns required.

Between 7:00AM – 8:30AM and 2:30PM – 3:30PM daily, drivers will be REQUIRED to exit the school parking area by turning right (west) onto Blanton Drive and then turning left (south) or right (north) onto Veteran’s Blvd. A left (east) turn onto Blanton Drive from the school parking area WILL NOT be permitted during these times, due to traffic congestion concerns.

During the morning and afternoon, the Sevierville Police Department (SPD) will have traffic control officers present at several locations around the school area to assist motorists. SPD recommends that SPS parents and staff allow extra travel time to and from school for several days after Veteran’s Blvd. opens. In the future, the SPD will monitor traffic patterns in the school area and provide traffic control officers as warranted.

Leaf Collection Season Information
10/05/06

The City of Sevierville Public Works Department announces that leaf collection will begin October 16, 2006 and conclude January 19, 2007. These dates may be adjusted if warranted by weather conditions.

Residents may choose either of the following leaf collection alternatives. Please read each alternative carefully and direct any questions you may have to the Public Works Department at 429-4567.

Vacuum Leaf Collection

The Public Works Department will make every effort to be in your neighborhood every two weeks to vacuum loose leaves. During peak periods or equipment breakdown pickup may take longer. The City has been divided into three sections. Once crews make a complete sweep of the City they will start over and make another complete sweep. This method of collection will be used throughout the leaf collection season. NO SPECIAL PICKUPS WILL BE MADE.

Tips for Vacuum Leaf Collection:
Rake leaves in rows no more than 4 feet wide.
Do not park vehicles in front of leaf piles.
Remove limbs, rocks, and other debris.
Do not place leaves in street.

Bagged Leaf Collection

The Public Works Department will collect bagged leaves citywide on a weekly basis, along normal garbage collection routes. A rear loading garbage truck will collect bagged leaves. The City will provide residents with biodegradable bags at no charge, as long as supplies last. These bags may be picked up at City Hall, 120 Gary Wade Blvd., between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or the Public Works Facility, 310 Robert Henderson Rd., between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Bagged leaves will be picked-up at curbside one business day after your regular garbage collection day. (If your can is emptied on Friday, bagged leaves will be picked up on Monday.) Collection period for bagged leaves will be the same as loose-leaf pickup.

If you have any questions regarding leaf collection, please contact the Public Works Department at 429-4567.

Road Projects Update 09/22/06
09/22/06

SR 448/North Parkway (Through Love Addition): This new road was opened to traffic on July 8, 2006. The estimated cost of the T.D.O.T. project is $4.8 million. The new five-lane road provides a second bridge over the Little Pigeon River and will help alleviate traffic congestion at the busiest intersection in Sevier County.

SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd. (previously known as New Middle Creek Road): Estimated completion date is December 2006. This TDOT-funded road will provide a six-lane route from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge.

Collier Drive Extension: This new five-lane road was opened to traffic on June 30, 2006. It is an extension of the existing Collier Drive and connects the road to SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd.(previously known as New Middle Creek Road). It provides a major east/west connector designed to improve traffic travel within the City. The intersection of Collier Drive and Veteran’s Blvd. will include a traffic signal when Veteran’s Blvd. is completed.

Old Knoxville Hwy.: Estimated completion date for rebuilding the entire road, from Main Street to Boyd’s Creek Hwy., is 2009. The section from Gists Creek Road to Eagle’s Landing Golf Club (ELGC) is currently closed to traffic (ELGC is open, access is from Boyd’s Creek to Old Knoxville Hwy.). This section is scheduled to reopen in September 2006 (two of four lanes). The north and south sections will be completed in phases, but traffic will be maintained during construction.

SR 66 From I-40 to SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) Expansion: This TDOT project is not currently scheduled. The expansion will increase Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes, from I-40 to Boyd’s Creek Hwy.

Shoplifting Class and Business Watch Program Presentation
09/13/06

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a Shoplifting Prevention class and Business Watch Program presentation on Thursday, September 21, 2006, 1:00PM – 3:00PM at the Sevierville Civic Center. SPD Sgt. Rebecca Cowan and Officer Matt Ayers will instruct the class.

The shoplifting prevention class is designed for business owners and retail workers. Topics to be covered include shoplifting related laws, owner rights, police officer procedures, methods and tools used by shoplifters and how to detain a shoplifter. Shoplifting statistics for our area will also be presented.

Nationally, less than 4% of the billions of dollars lost each year to shoplifters is recovered. In fact, it is estimated that for every one dollar that is recovered, over $27.00 is lost due to retail theft.

The Business Watch Program is a new program offered by the SPD. The main component of the program is a system for timely communication between businesses in the event that a shoplifting, robbery or other crime occurs.

There is no charge for the class. In order for enough materials to be available for everyone, please call Sgt. Cowan at 865-453-5506 to register for the class.

Child Car Safety Seat Check-up Scheduled
For September 16th
09/13/06

The City of Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a Child Car Safety Seat Checkpoint at Thomas-Hill Burgin Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, 3269 Winfield Dunn Parkway (Hwy. 66), on Saturday, September 16, 2006, 10:00AM – 1:00PM.

Despite good intentions, over 90% of child car safety seats are improperly installed. In fact, over 40% of child fatalities in traffic accidents are due to improperly installed child car safety seats. Certified SPD officers will be available to perform inspections of the seats, demonstrate proper installation techniques and offer general assistance.

Last year, a new child car safety seat law was enacted that affects many children under the age of 9-years old. SPD officers will be available to answer questions regarding the child restraint law.

SPD encourages parents to join us in this effort to keep our children as safe as possible while riding in a car.

For additional information, please contact SPD at 453-5506.

Construction Scheduled For Ernest McMahan/Middle Creek Road Intersection
08/27/06

Construction work to improve the intersection of Ernest McMahan Road and Middle Creek Road is scheduled to begin the week of August 28, 2006. The estimated completion date is November 2006, weather permitting.

The improvements will consist of adding a right turn lane from westbound Ernest McMahan Road onto northbound Middle Creek Road and adding a left turn lane from southbound Middle Creek Road onto eastbound Ernest McMahan Road.

Work on the $191,000 project is scheduled during the week between 9:00AM – 3:00PM and may also occur on weekends. Traffic is being maintained, however delays are expected and it is recommended that motorists consider alternate routes whenever possible.

Sevierville Announces Winterfest Light Improvements
08/08/2006

The City of Sevierville is planning several additions to their annual Winterfest light displays throughout the City. The improvements were approved at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting yesterday evening, Monday, August 7, 2006.

Parks and Recreation Director Bob Parker said that the City’s Winterfest Committee has been working on the improvements over the past year. “We will be adding about $60,000.00 to the Winterfest light budget this coming season,” Parker said. “The new ground and pole displays will significantly improve our current program and expand the lights to new areas of the City.”

The improvements include the following:

Snowflakes and snowflake enhancers (a large blue s-shaped display with three internal snowflakes) will be mounted to street light poles on Highway 66 from the Events Center Bridge to the Fred C. Atchley Bridge.
Snowflake enhancers will be mounted on every-other street light pole on major City streets where snowflakes are currently in place.
New ground displays will be erected at the Visitors Center on Highway 66.
Sixteen Bear Paw displays will be mounted to street light poles in front of Sevier County High School (SCHS). The Bear Paw displays will be built by SCHS students with funds from the City.
New snowflakes will be added to street light poles on Main Street up to Ownby Drive on Jenkins Hill.
Additional snowflakes and enhancers will be purchased for the 2007 – 2008 season to be mounted on Highway 66.
Plans are being formulated for extending the program to the Events Center area in 2007 – 2008.

Parker also extended a big “thank you” to the Sevier County Electric System and SCHS for their assistance.

The Winterfest lights will be turned-on as part of the City’s Winterfest kick-off event scheduled for Monday, November 6, 2006.

Road Projects Update
08/07/06

Ernest McMahan Road Improvements: Estimated start of construction is August 2006. Estimated completion date is fall 2006. A right turn lane from Ernest McMahan Road west onto Middle Creek Road north, and a left turn lane from Middle Creek Road south onto Ernest McMahan Road east will be added. Construction had originally been estimated to begin July 15, however bids came in significantly above estimates and the project is undergoing review in an attempt to keep costs within budget.

Collier Drive Extension: This new five-lane road was opened to traffic on June 30, 2006. It is an extension of the existing Collier Drive and connects the road to SR 449/veteran’s Blvd.(previously known as New Middle Creek Road). It provides a major east/west connector designed to improve traffic travel within the City.

Old Knoxville Hwy.: Estimated completion date for rebuilding the entire road, from Main Street to Boyd’s Creek Hwy., is 2007. The section from Gists Creek Road to Eagle’s Landing Golf Club (ELGC) is currently closed to traffic (ELGC is open, access is from Boyd’s Creek to Old Knoxville Hwy.). This section is scheduled to reopen in September 2006 (two of four lanes). The north and south sections will be completed in phases, but traffic will be maintained during construction.

SR 66 From I-40 to SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) Expansion: This TDOT project is not currently scheduled. The expansion will increase Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes, from I-40 to Boyd’s Creek Hwy.

Status of Ultraflow Implementation Plan
07/12/06

The City of Sevierville announces that all roadway milling and paving for the Ultraflow Traffic Plan has been completed. Initial roadway striping has also been completed.

Contractors have been working today to realign some traffic signals and reprogram traffic light timing in the downtown area. Traffic light timing will be monitored and adjusted as needed over the next several days.

Remaining work includes final plastic striping of roadways and sidewalk installation in the Hwy. 448 corridor. Plastic striping will require temporary lane closures, however, the contractor has been requested to perform this work during non-peak hours. Traffic delays should be relatively minimal. This work will be completed over the next couple of weeks, weather permitting.

The City of Sevierville Ultraflow Traffic Plan is designed to provide the most efficient flow of traffic given the number of available roads and lanes in the downtown area. When completely implemented, it will provide relief to the overburdened Hwy. 66/Main Street intersection. The opening of Hwy. 448 (through Love Addition subdivision), coupled with additional traffic lanes and reconfigured use of the available traffic lanes on Parkway and Forks of the River Parkway will ease traffic congestion throughout the downtown area.

Ultraflow Traffic Plan maps are available on the City of Sevierville website (www.seviervilletn.org) and at City Hall and other City buildings. The map will was distributed to all City residents and businesses in the Citizen newsletter last month. Maps have also been provided to local governments, chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus.

UPDATED Status Report - Road Projects
06/30/06

UPDATED – COLLIER DRIVE EXTENSION OPENED FROM FAIRFIELD RESORTS TO NEW MIDDLE CREEK ROAD. See details below.

Ernest McMahan Road Improvements: Estimated start of construction is July 15, 2006. Estimated completion date is September 15, 2006. A right turn lane from Ernest McMahan Road west onto Middle Creek Road north, and a left turn lane from Middle Creek Road south onto Ernest McMahan Road east will be added.

SR 448/North Parkway (Through Love Addition): Scheduled opening of northbound portion is July 8, 2006. The new road will connect Main Street with Hwy. 66 and provide an additional bridge over the Little Pigeon River. This TDOT project has been delayed due to unanticipated rock removal and wet weather.

SR 449 (New Middle Creek Road): Scheduled completion date is December 2006. This TDOT-funded road will provide a four-lane route from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge.

Collier Drive Extension: Opened June 30, 2006. The extension of the existing Collier Drive connects the road to the new Middle Creek Road and provides an important east/west connector route.

Gists Creek Road: Estimated completion date is spring 2007. The road is being rebuilt but is currently open to traffic on a temporary asphalt surface. This road is included in the City’s Central Business Improvement District project.

Old Knoxville Hwy.: Estimated completion date for rebuilding the entire road, from Main Street to Boyd’s Creek Hwy., is 2007. The section from Gists Creek Road to Eagle’s Landing Golf Club (ELGC) is currently closed to traffic (ELGC is open, access is from Boyd’s Creek to Old Knoxville Hwy.). This section is scheduled to reopen in August 2006 (original reopening was estimated for June 2006; weather and coordination of utility construction have caused delays). The north and south sections will be completed in phases, but traffic will be maintained during construction.

New Middle Creek Road Northern Extension: Estimated completion is 2009 – 2010. This is included in the City’s Central Business Improvement District project. The new road will connect the new Middle Creek Road at Dolly Parton Parkway to Hwy. 66 and provide another bridge over the Little Pigeon River.

SR 66 From I-40 to SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) Expansion: This TDOT project is not currently scheduled. The expansion will increase Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes, from I-40 to Boyd’s Creek Hwy.

Opening of Collier Drive/Closing of North Section
of Rainbow Road
06/30/06

The City of Sevierville announces that the extension of Collier Drive, from Fairfield Resorts in Governor’s Crossing to the new Middle Creek Road, opened on Friday, June 30, 2006.

The road was officially opened to traffic following a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00AM, on Collier Drive near the intersection with Ridge Road.

“Extending Collier Drive has been a priority for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen,” Mayor Bryan Atchley said. “The board and City staff recognize the need for an east/west connector from the Parkway to the new Middle Creek Road.”

The north section of Rainbow Road from Ridge Road to Collier Drive will be permanently closed today. This section of Ridge Road is unnecessary since Collier Drive extended also intersects with Ridge Road. Collier Drive provides a larger, safer route to motorists traveling in that area.

Revised Ultraflow Implementation Schedule
06/28/06

The City of Sevierville was informed this morning, Wednesday, June 28, 2006, that implementation of the Ultraflow Traffic Plan will be delayed. The northbound portion of the plan was scheduled to be opened to traffic on Thursday, June 29, however, wet weather has not allowed the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contractor, Blalock’s Construction, enough time to complete the work.

The revised schedule plans for implementation of the northbound portion beginning Saturday, July 8, 2006, barring any additional weather or equipment-related problems.

During the 4^th of July holiday period, TDOT will not allow any roadwork on the Parkway or Forks of the River Parkway after 3:00PM Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4.

The TDOT contractor currently plans to pave and stripe as follows:

· Southbound lanes of SR66 from Allensville Road to SR448 after 6:00PM this evening, June 28, 2006;

· SR448 between SR66 and the new bridge over the Little Pigeon River from July 3 – July 5 (this section is not currently open to traffic);

· Southbound lanes of the Parkway between the new bridge over the Little Pigeon River to traffic signal 14.8 (near the Chang House Restaurant) during the morning of July 5;

· Northbound lanes of the Parkway between traffic signal 14.8 (near the Chang House Restaurant) and the new bridge over the Little Pigeon River during the afternoon and evening of July 5;

· Dolly Parton Parkway between Gary Wade Blvd. and SR448 from July 5 – July 8, during non-peak traffic periods.

Work to complete the southbound portion of the Ultraflow Traffic Plan is currently scheduled to take place from July 10 – July 14, 2006, weather permitting. This work will include milling, paving and striping on the Fred C. Atchley Bridge (after 6:00PM on July 10) and on Forks of the River Parkway (from July 11 – July 14). Additional information on this schedule will be released as it becomes available.

The northbound portion of the Ultraflow Traffic Plan is designed to allow the most efficient traffic flow pattern for motorists traveling north from the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge areas and downtown Sevierville towards Hwy. 66 and Interstate 40, by routing these vehicles onto the Parkway and the new Hwy. 448/North Parkway. This traffic pattern allows northbound vehicles to avoid the heavily congested Hwy. 66/Hwy. 441/Main Street intersection.

The City of Sevierville Ultraflow Traffic Plan is designed to provide the most efficient flow of traffic given the number of available roads and lanes in the downtown area. When completely implemented, it will provide relief to the overburdened Hwy. 66/Main Street intersection. The opening of Hwy. 448 (through Love Addition subdivision), coupled with additional traffic lanes and reconfigured use of the available traffic lanes on Parkway and Forks of the River Parkway will ease traffic congestion throughout the downtown area.

Ultraflow Traffic Plan maps are available on the City of Sevierville website (www.seviervilletn.org) and at City Hall and other City buildings. The map will was distributed to all City residents and businesses in the Citizen newsletter last month. Maps have also been provided to local governments, chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus.

Fourth of July Holiday Schedules
06/27/06

The following service and facility schedules for the City of Sevierville will be in effect in observance of the Fourth of July holiday on Tuesday, July 4, 2006:

· City Hall will be closed.

· The Community Center and Civic Center will be closed.

· City Park Pool will be open normal operating hours.

· Sevierville Water Systems will be closed (for emergency service, call 453-5522).

· Residential and commercial dumpster service will take place, however, residential customers should have their garbage cans at curbside by 6:00AM, as collection will likely begin earlier than normal. The Public Works Building will be closed.

For additional information, please call City Hall at 453-5504.

Child Car Safety Seat Checkpoint 7/01/06
6/26/06

The City of Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a Child Car Safety Seat Checkpoint at Larry Hill Pontiac/GMC, 1040 Dolly Parton Parkway, on Saturday, July 1, 2006, 10:00AM – 1:00PM. The event will be held rain or shine, since a car bay will be available.

Last year, a new child car safety seat law went into effect. The new law affects many children under the age of 9-years old. SPD officers will be available to answer questions regarding the child restraint law.

SPD encourages parents to join us in this effort to keep our children as safe as possible while riding in a car.

For additional information, please contact SPD at 453-5506.

Ultraflow Traffic Plan Implementation Schedule
06/22/06

The City of Sevierville met with TDOT and their contractor, Blalock’s Construction, earlier this week and was informed that the Ultraflow Traffic Plan will be partially implemented before the 4th of July weekend.

Current plans call for implementation of the northbound portion of the plan beginning Thursday, June 29, 2006, barring any significant weather or equipment-related problems.

The contractor plans to pave and stripe portions of the following roads beginning Tuesday morning, June 27, 2006 and ending early Thursday morning, June 29, 2006: Hwy. 66 between Allensville Road and Hwy. 448; Hwy. 448/North Parkway; and Parkway in the downtown area. Some small sections of the southbound portion may also be completed during this period, depending upon contractor time constraints and weather.

Work will occur during day, evening and night hours, however, the contractor will avoid peak traffic times and areas during the day. Motorists should expect delays in the above areas from Tuesday morning, June 26, until early Thursday morning, June 28.

The southbound lanes of Hwy. 448 (North Parkway) will be closed to traffic until sometime after the 4th of July holiday period. Paving and striping of the remaining southbound portions of the plan is scheduled to begin on July 9, 2006.

Ultraflow Traffic Plan maps are available on the City of Sevierville website Road Projects page and at City Hall and other City buildings. The map will was distributed to all City residents and businesses in the Citizen newsletter last month. Maps have also been provided to local governments, chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus.

Status Report - Road Projects
06/16/06

SR 448/North Parkway (Through Love Addition): Estimated completion date is late June 2006. The new road will connect Main Street with Hwy. 66 and provide an additional bridge over the Little Pigeon River. This TDOT project has been delayed due to unanticipated rock removal and wet weather.

SR 449 (New Middle Creek Road): Estimated completion date is December 2006. This TDOT-funded road will provide a four-lane route from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge.

Collier Drive Extension: Estimated completion date is early July 2006. The extension of the existing Collier Drive will connect the road to the new Middle Creek Road and provide an important east/west connector route. This City project has been delayed due to unanticipated problems with placement of underground utilities.

Old Knoxville Hwy.: Estimated completion date for rebuilding the entire road, from Main Street to Boyd’s Creek Hwy., is 2007. The section from Gists Creek Road to Eagle’s Landing Golf Club (ELGC) is currently closed to traffic (ELGC is open, access is from Boyd’s Creek to Old Knoxville Hwy.). This section is scheduled to reopen in August 2006 (original reopening was estimated for June 2006; weather and coordination of utility construction have caused delays). The north and south sections will be completed in phases, but traffic will be maintained during construction.

SR 66 From I-40 to SR 338 (Boyd’s Creek Hwy.) Expansion: This TDOT project is not currently scheduled. The expansion will increase Hwy. 66 from four to six lanes, from I-40 to Boyd’s Creek Hwy.

Public Notice: Meeting Date Change

The City of Sevierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) meetings scheduled for July 3 and July 17, 2006 have been changed due to the Fourth of July holiday.

The BMA meetings in July will instead be held on July 10 and July 24, 2006, at 7:00PM at the Sevierville Civic Center, 130 Gary Wade Blvd., Sevierville, TN.

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