TDOT Announces Veterans Hospital Access Road Decision

Knoxville, Tennessee - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced today that it has chosen “Alternate 5” as the preferred route to access the new Veterans Nursing Home in West Knox County. The “Alternate 5” route involves building a new access road to the property through the West Bridge Industrial Park off of Hardin Valley Road in the Karns Community.

“We had already started preliminary survey work on connector road from Oak Ridge Highway,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “But people living in the area had some concerns about that location. So we asked for their suggestions.”

TDOT held a public meeting March 29, 2004, to gather public input and listen to local residents concerns about the location of the access road.

“After carefully reviewing the public comments and considering the most feasible alternatives, we came to the conclusion that building the road through the Industrial Park was the best option,” Nicely added.

Nicely said he hoped the change in plans will not put the road more than a couple of months behind schedule. Knox County officials hope to have the Veteran’s Home finished and open for business by the end of 2005.

The state announced the project last May, after working with federal officials, including Congressman John Duncan, Jr., to secure 65 percent of the building costs. Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale pledged the land and the remaining funding for constructing the 73,500 square-foot facility. TDOT is funding the access road at an estimated cost of $1.75 million.