State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, provided updates on several upcoming road projects in Loudon County.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, provided updates on several upcoming road projects in Loudon County.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is working on multiple projects for the area, including improvements to Highway 11 and updates along Interstate 75.
“Road projects are a frequent concern for constituents and I’m glad to provide updates on these important improvements,” Russell said. “Thank you to TDOT for always sharing the latest information and I’ll continue working closely with them to ensure these projects move forward as planned.”
Two segments of Highway 11 are expected to be resurfaced as part of the same project. According to TDOT, the section from Engel Road to North Street, as well as the section from North Street to State Route 73 are expected to be put out for bid in summer 2026.
Following a routine inspection, the Highway 11 bridge over the Tennessee River was found to be structurally sound. However, updated federal guidelines requiring evaluation of heavier truck loads have resulted in the safe weight limit being reduced to 56,000 pounds.
TDOT is currently conducting a Planning an Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study for the I-40/I-75 corridor in west Knoxville, which includes the I-40/I-75 interchange in Loudon County. The study is evaluating current traffic conditions and potential improvements along the corridor.
The department expects the study to be complete this spring and once complete, TDOT officials will begin developing improvement concepts, including potential considerations for weigh stations. The most up-to-date information regarding the PEL Study can be found on TDOT’s website here.
Finally, TDOT plans to widen Interstate 75 in Loudon County from Exit 81 to the I-40/I-74 junction to relieve congestion, increase capacity and improve operations along the corridor. The project would add additional lanes in both directions.
The widening project is included in TDOT’s 10-year project plan, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. For the most current information, visit the project’s website here.
Loudon County was one of the fastest-growing communities in Tennessee in 2024, according to a study by the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research.
Lowell Russell represents District 21 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Loudon and Monroe counties.
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