Congestion Management System

Appendix E: Summary of Task Force Discussion

Knox County:
Taskforce meeting held October 9, 2002.

In attendance:
Knox County Department of Engineering & Public Works:
Bruce Wuethrich
Cindy Pionke

City of Knoxville Department of Engineering:
Sam Parnell
Ernie Pierce

Tennessee Department of Transportation, Region 1:
Mark Best
Amanda Snowden

Town of Farragut Department of Engineering:
Darryl Smith

Knoxville Commuter Pool:
Ted Newsom

Knoxville Regional TPO:
Jeff Welch
Mike Conger
Doug Burton
Brad Thompson
Kelley Segars

Summary of Discussion:
Each corridor was discussed individually to determine how to best address the congestion using the menu of CMS strategies. The summary of appropriate strategies for each corridor is included in Appendix C. In addition to the specific corridor discussion, several topics relating to congestion were discussed, which warrant attention in the transportation planning process:

1.) Construction Management – Identified as a key component of any reconstruction project that will disrupt normal traffic patterns. It was clarified that at the current time construction management was only identified as a strategy for each corridor in the CMS that will be undergoing near term construction, i.e. one that has already been programmed in the TIP. The large-scale interstate projects will warrant special attention in terms of the traffic management involved, specifically the I-40/75 Wesley Road to Papermill Drive project, and the I-40/James White Parkway project. Coordination meetings between all affected parties should be set up to discuss issues on a regular basis both before and during these projects. In addition, transit opportunities should be explored in conjunction with these projects to alleviate vehicular traffic.

2.) Accident/Safety data inclusion in the CMS process – It was suggested that accident data could be used to help prioritize the corridors and hot spots that were identified in the CMS. Usually a strong relationship exists between congestion and safety, which should be considered as transportation improvements are programmed.

3.) Access Management – Identified as a very worthwhile goal to improve safety and operation of roadways. The issue is with how to retrofit existing roadways that have unlimited access because of the perceived detrimental effects to existing businesses. The best way to promote access management is through the development review and access permitting process. In addition, future roadway reconstruction projects should include access management techniques such as including non-traversable medians.

4.) School Traffic – The impact of schools on traffic patterns and congestion is significant. There are three main factors that could improve the traffic situation around schools. First, if more sidewalks and bicycle lanes were provided, more students could walk or bike to school. Secondly, more thought should be given to the design of the access and circulation patterns at schools to attempt to provide queue storage on school grounds rather than on the main thoroughfares. Finally, carpooling and school buses should be encouraged to remove some of the vehicle trips that are made.

5.) Interchange design – The traffic concentration at interstate interchanges causes congestion problems during peak hours, particularly on the off-ramps and the nearby surface street system. Projects that improve capacity or operation at interstate interchanges should be given a high priority.

 

Blount County:
Taskforce meeting held October 10, 2002

In attendance:

City of Maryville Engineering Department:
Shawn Meyers

City of Maryville Planning Department:
Scott Poland

City of Alcoa Engineering Department:
Andrew Sonner

City of Alcoa Planning Department:
Chris Hamby

Blount County Planning Department:
John Lamb

Tennessee Department of Transportation, Region 1:
Mark Best
Amanda Snowden

Knoxville Regional TPO:
Jeff Welch
Mike Conger
Brad Thompson

Summary of Discussion:
Each congested corridor and hot spot was discussed individually to determine causes and appropriate mitigation strategies. Additional corridors were identified that should be included in future updates to the CMS for travel time runs, which are on Hunt Road, Louisville Road and extending the limits up further north on Old Knoxville Highway (S.R. 33). Of most importance was the need identified to plan for improvements to S.R. 33 in preparation for the additional traffic that will be generated by the Pellissippi Parkway extension.

The remaining discussion centered on areas where spot geometric or traffic signal improvements should be considered at the following locations:

1.) Weaving section on U.S. 411 at the Foothills Mall – additional signage could be used to aid in driver awareness.

2.) Sam Houston School Road at Old Knoxville Highway (S.R. 33) – geometric improvements needed.

3.) Topside Road at Louisville Road – geometric improvements needed

4.) Middlesettlements Road at Hunter Crossing – geometric improvements needed

5.) William Blount at Big Springs Road – traffic signal to be installed

6.) Bessemer Road at Middlesettlements Road – needs a right turn lane

7.) The intersections of Defoe Circle and Eagleton Road on S.R. 33 in the county need improvement.

8.) Broadway at Wildwood Road and Everett Road intersections – updated signal equipment and geometric improvements needed

9.) U.S. 129 Bypass at S.R. 73 and Louisville Road – traffic queues exceed storage of left turn lane, blocking the lane from traffic wanting to use it