Clinch River bridge, Edgemoor Road targeted for upgrades
The Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to widen a stretch of State Route 170 (Edgemoor Road) in the Claxton community, add traffic signals and crosswalks, and build new bicycle and pedestrian lanes.
The project would extend from Oak Ridge Highway to Clinton Highway and includes a new structure over the Clinch River at the bridge near the Bull Run Fossil Plant.
State officials announced the plans and discussed findings of an environmental assessment at two public meetings: Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Claxton Elementary School, 2218 Clinton Highway, and Thursday, Oct. 30, at Oak Valley Baptist Church, 1451 Bethel Valley Road.
Plans are also available on TDOT’s website.
New traffic signals with crosswalks are proposed at Waterview Drive, New Henderson Road, Old Emory Road and North Dogwood Road.
When asked whether additional signals would slow motorists, Brian Bartnik, TDOT Region 1 traffic design manager, said they should not affect travel times for drivers going the speed limit.
Existing signals at Melton Lake Drive and Clinton Highway would remain.
Next steps include completing a final environmental document and beginning right-of-way acquisition in 2026. If the project stays on schedule, construction would begin in 2029.
Design details vary along the corridor. West of Walnut Valley Road, TDOT proposes widening the typically two-lane section to a four-lane section with two 12-foot travel lanes, a variable median and 8-foot shoulders. East of Walnut Valley Road, the plan would widen the two- to three-lane section to five lanes: two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction and a 12-foot two-way left-turn lane, with 8-foot shoulders.
TDOT also plans to widen the existing two-lane Clinch River bridge to four lanes with a painted median.
Other improvements include curbs and gutters, a 5-foot sidewalk and a 10-foot shared-use path on opposite sides of Edgemoor Road, and guardrails as needed.
Turn lanes would be added at “strategic intersections,” with several realigned or reconfigured.
John Barrett, TDOT highway program manager, said the current route has narrow shoulders and insufficient turn lanes.
With projected development, TDOT’s traffic model shows volumes increasing.
“A wider road will help with congestion and safety,” he said.
Barrett noted the corridor serves “many recreational facilities,” including Haw Ridge Park, Solway Park, Melton Lake and Tennessee Centennial Golf Course.
“One of the things we want to make sure of is that we’re addressing all transportation needs, not just vehicular but also bike and pedestrians, and therefore the inclusion of a shared-use path and sidewalk,” he said. The 10-foot path would be on the south side of Edgemoor Road; the 5-foot sidewalk would be on the north.
Barrett said TDOT will try to “avoid or minimize” impact on adjoining properties.
During right-of-way acquisition, he said, the agency will meet with adjacent owners to explain their rights and any available benefits.
Some attendees expressed concern about potential displacements.
“A lot of people are losing homes and businesses,” one attendee said.
The project is a state-federal partnership rather than a local government initiative. Hard copies of the environmental assessment are available at the Clinton and Oak Ridge public libraries.
How to comment
The public comment period is open through Nov. 30. Comments may be submitted by phone at 865-396-4714; by email at TDOT.comments.tn.gov with the subject line “SR-170 Project”; or by mail to:
State Route 170
c/o Marlena Gore,
Project Manager
Tennessee Department of Transportation – Region 1
7345 Region Lane
Knoxville, TN 37914
Edgemoor Road Project
TDOT plans to widen Edgemoor Road (State Route 170) from Oak Ridge Highway to Clinton Highway.
The project includes a new four-lane bridge over the Clinch River near Bull Run Fossil Plant and aims to improve safety, congestion, and access for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Public feedback is open through Nov. 30, with right-of-way acquisition planned for 2026 and construction expected to begin in 2029.
Comments may be submitted by phone at 865-396-4714; by email at TDOT.comments.tn.gov with the subject line “SR-170 Project”; or by mail to: State Route 170
c/o Marlena Gore, Project Manager, Tennessee Department of Transportation – Region 1, 7345 Region Lane, Knoxville, TN 37914