Corridor K is closing in on the next phase of the effort to build an alternate Hwy. 64. The Community Resource Team met recently to get updates on the Transportation Planning Report (TPR), which is nearing completion. Next is the Environmental Impact Statement phase, expected to be completed in 2013 if all goes well.

The Vision Statement notes: Any US Hwy. 64/Corridor K project should address the unique safety, access and traffic flow issues caused by the different types of traffic and corridor users, as well as the difficult topography in the Ocoee River area. The project should creatively minimize adverse impacts to the human and natural environment, preserving unique attributes of the Cherokee National Forest, Ocoee River, and regional cultural resources.

The project should enhance access to natural areas and recreational opportunities, and provide travelers a visually satisfying journey. The project should also support the current and future needs of local businesses, local and regional economic plans, and the objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Consultants working with TDOT on the project have come up with ten possible corridors, including a no-build and improvements to the current highway, which were presented to the public last month. More than 500 comments have been submitted. The transportation-planning phase has also included early environmental screening, resource identification, and analysis of constraints and opportunities. Keith Dilbeck asked that the final report include a map of potential rockfall sites along the current route.

While the potential routes included cost estimates for a two-lane and four-lane roadway, Steve Allen with TDOT said traffic would have to double to warrant a four-lane highway. He said he felt a “super two-lane” would last for a long time. That would be a two-lane roadway with full-width shoulders and passing lanes on hills. The TPR will include all of the potential corridors for further study and elimination of those not deemed feasible. No decision has been made on a new route.

During the transition from TPR to NEPA (National Environmental Police Act), agencies will review the report. They have to sign off on the Purpose and Need. Once that is done, TDOT will request that a Notice of Intent be filed in the National Register to give notice that TDOT is starting an environmental document. Then the detailed analysis begins. Each potential corridor is studied to determine if it fits the purpose and need and the environmental impact. More specific alignments will be developed from the wide corridors presented in the TPR and those that don’t work will be eliminated. Technical studies will be done to analyze issues and study the needs. Detailed surveys will be made of the potential routes.

All this information will be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement showing the pros and cons of each option. The DEIS will be presented to the public for a 60-day comment period. Once a Preferred Alternative and Preliminary Mitigation recommendation is made, TDOT will ask the Federal Highway Administration to file a Final Environmental Impact Statement for a 60-day comment period. The Record of Decision can be approved after that process.

Project Coordinator Wes Hughen said a training session for local leaders to help them understand the lengthy process required for detailed studies and comment periods on federal highway projects. He has said he hoped that agency involvement in the TPR process will help speed up the process, which often takes years.

Once a Record of Decision is official, the final design and permitting process begins. If the project is to proceed, the state will eventually have to approve funding for its 20% share of the cost. The Appalachian Regional Commission will pay 80% for the Appalachian Development Highway System project first conceived in the 1960s.