US 64 / Corridor K
Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Project
- Corridor Level Planning
- Environmental Review Process
- Public and Agency Participation
- Acronyms
- Glossary
- About the Project
- What is Corridor K?
- When was the project first identified?
- Why is the project needed?
- What is the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) approach to planning?
- How will TDOT protect the environment?
- How much will the project cost?
- Who is paying for the environmental study?
- When will the project be complete?
- How can I find out more?
Corridor K is a regional project for improved access, mobility and economic development in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. The route is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System which starts at I-75 near Cleveland, Tennessee and ends near Dillsboro, North Carolina.
The portion of Corridor K that TDOT is currently studying is located within the Ocoee River Gorge area 
. This section follows US 64 and is part of the Ocoee Scenic Byway.
When was the project first identified?
In 1964, the President’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) reported that economic growth in Appalachia would not be possible until the region’s isolation had been overcome. The ARC report placed top priority on a modern highway system as the key to economic development. The Corridor K project was first introduced as one of 31 regional projects included in the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) of 1965. TDOT began identifying problem areas along US 64 in Polk County in the 1970s. View the project timeline .
Learn more about the history of the project in the TPR.
The project will help ensure a safe, reliable and efficient east-west transportation route. Due to topography and natural conditions, this section of Corridor K does not meet appropriate roadway standards. The roadway has numerous transportation issues, including:
- Insufficient shoulders and guardrails
- Inadequate sight distance
- Sharp curves
- Lack of convenient detour routes in case of rockslides or accidents
- High truck traffic and motorcycle use
- Traffic peaking issues (e.g., increases during the rafting season)
The ARC has identified an economic need for an improved east-west transportation corridor in the project region. Additionally, the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) has identified the Ocoee River Gorge section of Corridor K as a top priority for the last four years (2007-2010). Regional transportation improvements could promote economic sustainability and support the growing tourism industry.
What is the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) approach to planning?
TDOT understands the importance of preserving the unique resources of the area while developing solutions that address the existing safety and mobility issues. For the Corridor K project, TDOT is using CSS principles during planning and design to develop solutions that fit within the area’s unique community context.
For Corridor K, the CSS approach includes:
- Early identification of a full range of local and regional information on community, economic and environmental resources.
- Coordination with resource agencies, the public and other stakeholders to better understand issues, concerns and values of the region.
- Stakeholder and public input into the development and evaluation of potential project solutions.
- Tailored studies to evaluate unique aspects of the project environment.
Learn more about CSS.
How will TDOT protect the environment?
TDOT and the lead agencies involved with the project are committed to preserving the area’s unique resources for residents, visitors and future generations. During project planning and development, TDOT is required to complete environmental documentation that meets federal and state environmental regulations. This environmental review helps ensure that environmental values and other factors are integrated into project decisions. During this process, research, data collection and fieldwork activities are conducted to help TDOT document potential environmental impacts resulting from project alternatives.
Environmental topics being evaluated include:
- Economic effects
- Air quality
- Ecology and natural resources
- Energy
- Environmental justice
- Floodplains
- Hazardous materials
- Historical and archaeological resources
- Land use
- Noise
- Parks and recreation
- Soils and geology
- Tribal fisheries and cultural resources
- Vegetation
- Visual impacts
- Wetlands
- Wildlife and endangered species
Sustainability and mitigation measures will be developed for each build alternative to avoid and minimize potential negative environmental effects and promote stewardship of resources.
How much will the project cost?
Project costs will be assessed in the EIS. For alternatives requiring construction, the cost estimates will include foreseeable right-of-way, construction and mitigation activities.
The Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) Program provided funding for the construction of corridor highways in the Appalachian Region (FY 2005-2009) to promote economic development and establish a state-federal framework. TDOT is administering the funds and is conducting the project in coordination with FHWA and ARC.
When will the project be complete?
The Corridor K project is now in its environmental review phase, which is expected to be completed in Fall 2013. If a build alternative is selected, TDOT will then move forward with obtaining permits from state and federal agencies and acquiring right-of-way, as needed, prior to construction. The timing of construction will depend on the availability of funds. Some funding is available from ARC for construction.
View the Project Timeline.
How can I find out more?
The project's public involvement program includes multiple opportunities for the public to participate by submitting comments, attending public meetings and keeping informed through project materials such as this website and newsletters.
Join the Project Mailing List to receive updates and learn about future public participation opportunities.
View the Project Library to review project-related documents and reports.
For specific questions or comments about the project, contact Chester Sutherland, Project Manager.
- Corridor-Level Planning
- What is a Transportation Planning Report?
- What information is covered in the Corridor K TPR?
- What corridor options are identified in the TPR?
- How did public input help shape the TPR?
What is a Transportation Planning Report?
A Transportation Planning Report (TPR) is a document designed to streamline project development by providing detailed project-related information earlier in planning prior to more detailed environmental review.
What information is covered in the Corridor K TPR?
The Corridor K TPR:
- Describes the project history and previous planning efforts
- Establishes the preliminary need for the project
- Identifies ten potential corridor options for further study
- Describes environmental resources and issues in the area
- Details existing transportation issues
- Summarizes public comments received
The Corridor K TPR was completed in May 2010. View the TPR.
What corridor options are identified in the TPR?
The TPR identified and evaluated 10 potential corridor options, which will be further studied during environmental review. These options include:
- Two options based on improvements to existing US 64, one for the entire length and one for spot improvements throughout the corridor
- Three options on new location north of the Ocoee River
- Two options combining new location corridors to the north with improvements to existing US 64
- Two options on new location to the south
- A “No Build option, which would involve no improvements to the existing route. The No Build option provides a baseline for comparing all of the other options.
View the TPR to learn more about these options.
How did public input help shape the TPR?
The public, agencies, local officials, interest groups and other stakeholders provided valuable input that helped inform the TPR phase and corridor option development. As of May 2010, the project has received close to 3,000 public and agency comments via public meetings, mail and e-mail. View Appendix E of the TPR to learn more about how stakeholder input was integrated into corridor-level planning.
- Environmental Review Process
- What is the environmental review process for the project?
What is NEPA? - What is an EIS?
- How is TDOT using the 2008 Corridor K Economic Development and Transportation Study in the EIS?
What is the environmental review process for the project?
TDOT, ARC and FHWA are leading the NEPA process to develop the EIS. The EIS will provide comprehensive information about the project’s purpose and need, proposed alternatives, and potential environmental, social and economic effects. Information gathered during the corridor-level planning phase and presented in the TPR will help inform the NEPA process.
Key steps:
- Develop alternatives to study in the DEIS.
- Evaluate the 10 options developed during the TPR phase, as well as other required options (such as mass transit) to determine if they meet the project’s purpose and need, community and stakeholder interests, and many other factors.
- Some options may be eliminated and others refined to develop detailed study alternatives. - Conduct fieldwork and collect/analyze data.
- Gather information related to the final study alternatives.
- Evaluate design information, costs, potential social and environmental effects, and other information. - Prepare a Draft EIS (DEIS).
- Discuss alternatives and disclose potential impacts in the draft EIS.
- Distribute the draft EIS for review and comment. - Select a Preferred Alternative and prepare a Final EIS (FEIS).
- Review the analysis and public comments on the draft EIS prior to selecting a preferred alternative.
- Present the preferred alternative in the final EIS. - Publish a Record of Decision (ROD) in the Federal Register.
- Discuss the preferred alternative and final mitigation measures in the ROD.
Public meetings and other participation opportunities will be held throughout the environmental review process. Public hearings will be held following the release of the DEIS. Learn more about how you can participate.
What is NEPA?
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is a federal law that requires the consideration of environmental issues for “major” federally-funded actions. Before any action or project using federal funds or involving federal lands can be completed, the environmental and social impacts must be disclosed in an environmental document. In the case of Corridor K, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared.
Learn more about the NEPA process by viewing the Council of Environmental Quality’s A Citizen’s Guide to NEPA .
What is an EIS?
An Environmental Impact Statement or EIS is a full disclosure environmental document that is required by federal law under NEPA. NEPA requires agencies to prepare an EIS for major federal projects that may have significant effects to the environment. The EIS details the planning and development process, a range of reasonable alternatives and potential impacts resulting from the alternatives. The EIS is developed in compliance with applicable environmental laws and executive orders. Learn more by visiting FHWA’s EIS page.
How is TDOT using the 2008 Corridor K Economic Development and Transportation Study in the EIS?
In 2008, the ARC’s Southeast Tennessee Development District developed a feasibility study to assess the economic return on constructing segments of Corridor K. The Corridor K Economic Development and Transportation Study expanded upon prior Corridor K studies by considering the economic need for an east-west route. The 2008 study evaluated Corridor K on a broad level and did not address all of the specific economic issues related to Corridor K through the Ocoee River Gorge.
During the development of the EIS, TDOT will conduct a detailed economic study for the Ocoee River Gorge section of Corridor K. The economic and business analysis will include a review of potential effects to businesses, employment, sales, tax revenues and other topics. The project team will also conduct a thorough review of the 2008 economic study during this analysis. The results of the economic study will be presented in the draft EIS for public review and comment.
- Public and Agency Participation
- How can you participate in the project?
- How are agencies involved?
- What is the Citizens Resource Team (CRT)?
- What input has the CRT provided?
- Are other organizations involved?
How can you participate in the project?
Public input is essential to the success of the project. The project includes multiple opportunities for you to participate by submitting comments, attending public meetings and keeping informed through this website and newsletters. TDOT will issue public notices about upcoming public participation opportunities as they are scheduled.
Visit the Public Involvement page to learn more.
How are agencies involved?
The project involves coordination with local, state and federal resource and regulatory agencies. Interagency meetings and briefings are held throughout the project to keep agencies up-to-date with the latest project information.
The project is also undergoing a formal agency consultation process through the Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement (TESA). TESA establishes a coordinated planning and project development process for transportation projects in Tennessee. During this process, agencies meet and approve project information at pre-determined concurrence points .
What is the Citizens Resource Team (CRT)?
As a part of the CSS process, a Citizens Resource Team (CRT) was formed in February 2009 to provide additional stakeholder input to TDOT, ARC and FHWA. The CRT is comprised of citizens who represent the interests of different stakeholder groups that have may be affected by or have an interest in the project. CRT members include community leaders, residents and representatives of business, environmental and recreational interests.
View the Public Involvement page to learn more.
What input has the CRT provided?
The CRT has met several times during the development of the TPR and will continue to meet throughout environmental review. During corridor-level planning, the CRT participated in the development of a project vision, values and project needs as well as provided input on a range of corridor options to be included in the TPR.
The CRT also produced a Consensus Summary document, which presents information developed or reviewed by the CRT during corridor-level planning.
Learn more by visiting the CRT Materials page.
Are other organizations involved?
In addition to agency, CRT and general public involvement, TDOT conducts briefings with local officials, community/civic groups, business groups, and other interested groups/organizations to provide project updates and receive public input on the project.
An Economic, Environmental, and Utility (EEU) group was developed for the Corridor K project to incorporate leadership level input and ensure representatives are engaged during project planning and development. Local and regional public officials are also engaged throughout project planning.
If your group or organization would like to meet with TDOT to discuss the project, please contact Chester Sutherland, Project Manager.
ARC |
Appalachian Regional Commission |
CRT |
Citizens Resource Team |
CSS |
Context Sensitive Solutions |
DEIS |
Draft Environmental Impact Statement |
EIS |
Environmental Impact Statement |
FEIS |
Final Environmental Impact Statement |
FHWA |
Federal Highway Administration |
NEPA |
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 |
RPO |
Rural Planning Organization |
TDOT |
Tennessee Department of Transportation |
TESA |
Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement |
TPR |
Transportation Planning Report |
Alternatives: Options that TDOT will consider to address the significant issues and meet the purpose of and need for the proposed project.
Corridor: The geographic area used for the initial screening of alternatives. In the TPR, a 2,000-foot-wide corridor was used for analysis. If an environmentally sensitive area is found, the roadway alignment can be shifted within the corridor to avoid adverse impacts to the area.
Detailed study alternatives: Alternatives that will be studied in detail in the EIS. Design information, costs, potential social and environmental effects, and other information will be evaluated for each of the detailed study alternatives.
Preferred alternative: After analysis and consultation is complete, an agency picks an alternative to implement. The preferred alternative is chosen based on economic, environmental, and social factors, as well as agency and public comments. The preferred alternative is sometimes identified in the draft EIS and is always identified in the final EIS.
Study area: The geographic area addressed by the analysis in the study.
