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321 East Parkway (US 321, State Route 73)

CBRT Recommendations - Phase 1

The CBRT worked diligently to develop Context Sensitive Solutions for Phase I that would be:

  • Aesthetic
  • Affordable
  • Maintainable
  • Safe

Based upon extensive discussion and public input, the Resource Team recommends the following:

  • From Glades Road to Buckhorn Road (All of Phase I)
    • A painted, creative natural appearing “rock” facade for the surface of the retaining walls
    • Strategic placement of native plant species
    • Consistent signage
  • From 1,850 feet East of Hidden Hills Road to Buckhorn Road (Approximately two-thirds of Phase I)
    • A reduction in the width of the travel lanes from 12 feet to 11 feet
    • Introduction of a raised landscaped median

To view illustrations of the Phase I Recommendations click here (PDF - 704 KB)

Aesthetic

In order to reduce the imposing presence of the new retaining walls, artist Michael Cooper performed several color studies of suitable wall treatments for the Resource Team’s review. A blended or mottled painted treatment of the walls simulating local stone façades is recommended to soften their appearance. The addition of a median, coupled with reduced lane widths, is recommended to create the desired “parkway” experience. Naturalized plantings of native grasses and shrubs in the median and along the walls will provide a framework for a contextual solution.

Further, a simulated “cut-stone” face was developed for the bridge parapets. The simulation was inspired by natural “cut-stone” parapets built within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) by the National Park Service. Also, since tourism is a major driver to the local economy, specific hardscape “theme elements” have been developed that could easily be added within the corridor after project completion. Hardscape elements were inspired by local use of stone, and by landscape and signage of the GSMNP.

Affordable

Based upon development of conceptual drawings for Phase I and guidance given by the TDOT and PBS&J Project Managers, the CBRT believes the recommendations herein to be affordable to involved stakeholders.

Maintainable

The CBRT recommends that no sod be used. The intent is to minimize the need for mowing and irrigation. The CBRT further recommends that the landscape design elements include:

  • Plantings appropriate to water and soil moisture conditions at the site
  • Pantings requiring minimal trimming
  • Provisions for trash removal

Safe

Specific safety items noted and understood by the CBRT are:

  • Landscaping will be designed and maintained so as to provide adequate sight distance at vehicle turn locations, at both installation and maturity.
  • Species of trees to be utilized within right-of-way will be selected so as to not encroach upon travel-ways when trees reach maturity.
  • Generally, “soft wood” trees with caliper less than 4” at maturity will be used.
  • Generally, the use of “boulders” will be prohibited.

The CBRT recommends the posted speed to be reduced from 40 MPH to 35 MPH, and that fencing be added at all retaining wall locations for the safety of pedestrians and wildlife alike. The DOT should utilize to the extent possible the recently installed culverts in conjunction with fencing to allow a safe passageway for wildlife with the intent of mitigating animal mortality.

Concept 1 versus Concept 2

The CBRT further recommends that Concept 1 be implemented, with the understanding that provisions for left-turn entrance/exit from a few property locations may be required that are not shown in Concept 1. As TDOT implements Concept 1, it is the strong desire of the CBRT that the introduction of provisions for left-turn entrance/exit to/from any properties be held to a minimum, such that the introduction of the median does not become meaningless from an aesthetic standpoint. In any case, the CBRT recommends that median openings be generally spaced as shown on Concept 1, with the allowance for additional median openings (for left-turn entrance/exit from certain properties) as shown on Concept 2, as may be determined to be required by TDOT.

Design and Implementation

It is the understanding of the CBRT that painting of the large concrete retaining walls and concrete parapets along Phase I is intended to be accomplished by TDOT under the existing construction contract. Further, it is understood that Murals and More of Franklin, Tennessee will be utilized as a subcontractor, and that Murals and More will utilize, to the greatest extent practical, local citizens as painters and general laborers for the painting effort. It is the strong desire of the CBRT to review “test” sections of both the large concrete retaining walls and concrete parapets after they have been painted as recommended, with the intention that the CBRT will be able to verify compliance of the desired end result with the CBRT’s recommendations and intentions.

Further, the CBRT recognizes that the typical highway contractor may not have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide a high quality landscape. The CBRT also desires that a very close coordination between the Gatlinburg City staff, the GSMNP staff and the landscape architects takes place in order to select suitable species for proposed plantings (specifically, certain invasive species should not be introduced into the GSMNP area). It is further understood that the City will be providing for the maintenance of the landscape elements. Therefore, for these reasons, the CBRT recommends that the City of Gatlinburg administer the design and construction of the landscape elements. Administration of these elements would include:  

  • Retaining and guiding the landscape architect
  • Letting the contract for the construction of the landscape elements
  • Close coordination with the GSMNP staff on selection of plant species
  • Applications for enhancement grants
  • Administration of the landscape construction
  • Owning and maintaining the landscape elements

Future US 321 Corridor Developments

The CBRT recommends that a “Corridor Vision” approach be utilized for the US 321 corridor from Gatlinburg to I-40, as well as other similar corridors, as opposed to a “segmental” approach. The expectation would be to look at systems traffic, community visions and plans, regional modes, etc., with the intent to create “projects” with broad community support.