KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Holston Hills Road Repairs Underway Amid Development
In Knoxville, major repairs are taking place on Holston Hills Road, specifically between Riverside Drive and Boyd’s Bridge Pike. The area is busy with traffic cones and construction signs as city workers tackle a growing problem of potholes. Most of the damage is visible in front of Holston River Park, where construction is ongoing for a new apartment complex across the street.
Development Impacting Road Conditions
The City of Knoxville has noted that the ongoing development may have worsened the road conditions. According to Chad Weth, the Public Works Director, the heavy machinery and materials being moved for the new apartments have caused wear and tear on Holston Hills Road. “It was really when the development started, bringing in and hauling out a lot of material,” Weth explained. He emphasized that the construction activities themselves are not to blame, but rather the normal impact of such extensive work.
Planned Repairs Scheduled
The city has recognized the need for immediate repairs and crews are ready to address the issues directly. Weth stated, “We will be fixing multiple locations.” The repairs involve digging up the affected road areas, forming a better base, and then paving over them to create a smoother driving surface.
City workers are planning to work systemically over the next week or two, moving section by section along the road to minimize disruption. “This will be a couple of days, then we’ll move down to the next one,” Weth added. “As we go along, we’ll evaluate how well our repairs hold up and if further work is necessary.”
Public Safety Measures in Place
With repairs underway, drivers in the area are being asked to exercise caution. Weth advises that drivers should slow down as they navigate through construction zones. “There’s signs up that say workers present, and there may be a flagger if needed,” he noted. The city aims to keep at least one lane open to allow traffic to flow despite the ongoing construction.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the situation. One visitor to Holston River Park mentioned that while the road construction causes some inconvenience by temporarily reducing the road to one lane, they appreciate the city’s quick action to fix the road problems. This proactive response was welcomed by those who regularly travel along Holston Hills Road.
Next Steps for the Road
After the completion of the apartment complex and the initial repairs, the city plans to reevaluate the condition of Holston Hills Road. This assessment will help determine whether a full repaving of the road is necessary moving forward. Ensuring the safety and smooth travel of drivers in the diverse area remains a priority as Knoxville continues to grow.
As the situation unfolds, local traffic will likely be impacted, but residents can expect improvements in road conditions soon. Efforts led by the city not only aim to enhance the road’s surface but also ensure the safety of both construction workers and drivers alike.
