Knox County Engineers Plan New Traffic Systems for Key Intersections

Improving Commutes in Knox County with New Traffic System

Drivers in Knox County, Tennessee, may soon experience a smoother and less stressful commute thanks to an upcoming traffic management initiative. The county has long struggled with heavy traffic, especially on major roads like Maynardville Pike, which is known for becoming congested during peak hours.

One local driver, Mike Donahue, shared his frustration with the current situation. He explained that he often takes alternate routes to avoid the busy road, but he hopes the new system will eventually eliminate the need for such detours. “I take alternate routes to avoid this because there’s a morning commute to work and then an evening commute from work, which is a choke spot,” he said. Donahue believes the new system could make a significant difference in reducing traffic congestion.

To address these concerns, Knox County engineers are working on implementing an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) at 15 intersections across the county, including several key points along Maynardville Pike. This system aims to improve traffic flow by allowing officials to monitor and adjust signals remotely.

Alan Childers, the county’s Traffic Engineer, explained the benefits of the ATMS. “It will allow us to sit in the office and monitor traffic signals that are way out in the field,” he said. “If we get a phone call about a concern, we can respond to it a lot faster. Plus, we could change the timing and do things like that.”

The system involves installing devices that detect vehicles at various intersections. Some locations will only require sensors, while others will need additional infrastructure, such as new lights and poles. When a car passes into certain areas, the sensor registers the movement and sends data to the controller, which then makes decisions about signal timing.

Donahue emphasized the urgent need for improved timing on traffic lights along Maynardville Pike. “It’s always backed up from Fountain City all the way through to shopping centers on the other side here, up into Walmart and then all the way into Maynardville,” he said. While he is pleased with the changes, he feels they should have been implemented sooner. “It’s been long overdue,” he added. “I’m glad they have recognized the problem and I’m glad that they are at least developing a plan that will work.”

Currently, the project is waiting on parts, and Childers estimates it could take a few months before installation begins. Once the equipment is in place, engineers will be trained to use the new system effectively.

List of Intersections Receiving the New System

Here is a list of the intersections that will receive the new ATMS or car sensors:

• N Watt Road at I-40 eastbound ramps – ATMS system will be completely installed
• N Watt Road at I-40 westbound ramps – ATMS system will be completely installed
• Maynardville Pike at Rifle Range Drive/Brown Gap Road – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Foley Drive – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Fountain Valley Drive – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Neal Drive/Doris Circle – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Crippen Road – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Cunningham Road – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Afton Drive/Andersonville Pike – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Norris Freeway – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at Andersonville Pike – Car sensor will be installed
• Maynardville Pike at East Emory Road – Car sensor will be installed
• East Emory Road at Andersonville Pike – ATMS system will be completely installed
• Norris Freeway at East Emory Road – Car sensor will be installed
• Norris Freeway at Sam Walton Way – ATMS system will be completely installed

This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing traffic challenges in Knox County. With the implementation of the ATMS, drivers can look forward to more efficient travel and fewer delays on their daily commutes.