KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the Alcoa Highway project continues, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is closing a section of Woodson Drive for two months to build a roundabout.
TDOT said the new roundabout will connect Woodson Drive to Alcoa Highway at Wye Way Lane. Starting at 9 a.m. on June 1, Woodson Drive and Wye Way Lane at the intersection with Alcoa Highway will close as crews place fill material, install storm drain and utilities, and construct the new roundabout.
Sheriff’s Office: Person armed with sword dies after Dandridge shooting
During the closure, traffic will be detoured onto Cherokee Trail. TDOT said the road will reopen by July 31 in its new permanent configuration. Drivers are also urged to expect delays and use caution when traveling through this area.
The closure is due to TDOT placing four feet of fill over the roadway to raise it to the new roundabout level. A release from the department said crews cannot complete this work while traffic is present.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation found that roundabouts can reduce crashes that cause injury or death by roughly 80% compared to two-way stop intersections or those with a stoplight.
Find live traffic conditions: TDOT Smartway Map
The $186 million Alcoa Highway project is the largest road project in state history. The project involves reconstructing and widening 13 miles of road across Knox and Blount counties. Currently, TDOT lists the end date for all seven phases as 2028…