The public will have a chance to learn about and comment on the future widening of Apison Pike from Ooltewah-Ringgold Road to East Brainerd Road at a meeting with Tennessee Department of Transportation officials Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Collegedale City Hall.
"At the meeting we will discuss this project on its own merit, how it fits into the SR-317 [Apison Pike] corridor, and how it might affect the area," said TDOT community relations officer Jennifer Flynn. "People can comment on anything pertaining to this project or the corridor as a whole. They can ask either general or specific questions and all comments and concerns are taken very seriously and will be considered as the project progresses in development."
The project will be the third and final phase of the widening and extension of Apison Pike from the new exit 9 connector at Enterprise South. Phase 3 will add travel lanes, a continuous turn lane, bike lanes and a sidewalk within the particular project location.
At this time the project is not funded past the preliminary environmental engineering phase.
A brief presentation and question-and-answer period at the beginning of the meeting will provide attendees a clear overview of Phase 3. TDOT representatives will be on-hand to provide more detailed information about various and specific aspects of the project.
"The meeting is open to anyone who has an interest in this project and is not limited to nearby residents," Flynn pointed out. "This entire corridor has been of great interest in the community, so we anticipate a good turnout at the meeting."
Those who cannot attend but would like information on the project can contact TDOT project manager James Ball at 510-1232 or James.A.Ball@tn.gov.
Conceptual drawings are available for public viewing at TDOT's local Region Two complex at 4005 Cromwell Road, but appointments are necessary. Call 892-3430 for more information.
INITIAL PHASES
Phase 1 to connect Apison Pike via a new road to the Enterprise South interchange off Interstate 75 is under way, with the contractor expected to begin construction of a bridge over the railroad tracks near Old Lee Highway this October.
Phase 2 to widen Apison Pike from just past its intersection with Old Lee Highway to just past Ooltewah-Ringgold Road is now in the preliminary design phase, which should be completed by the end of next year, according to Flynn.
"The project is not currently funded for right of way or construction, but we expect funding once we reach the next project phase," she said, adding that a design public hearing will take place sometime this winter, giving residents the chance to weigh in on that aspect of the overall project.