The alternative route recommended by a citizens group for the Highway 127 N. Upgrade from Interstate 40 in Cumberland County has been accepted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely recently announced in a newsletter to local residents that the state is ready to move into the next planning stage for the project.

Nicely said in a project newsletter that the Blue 4-Lane Alternative, as recommended by the Citizens Resource Team, had been chosen by the state.

The alternative plan calls for two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 12-foot center turn lane, paved shoulders, curb and gutter with sidewalks from I-40 north to Tabor Loop, and from approximately one mile south of Hwy. 62 in Fentress County to the Hwy. 62 and Hwy. 127 intersection in Clarkrange.

From just south of the Tabor Loop to about one mile south of Hwy. 62, the plan calls for two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, with a 48-foot depressed median and paved shoulders.

Nicely said more detailed studies are being conducted to address some unresolved issues, which include, but are not limited to: archaeological sites that are eligible for listing on the National Registry.

Also pending is further definition of the crossing at Clear Creek. Once issues are resolved, the final environmental impact statement will be prepared and once approved, published in the federal register.

Survey is oncoming and next will come the preliminary design survey. Once that is completed, a public design hearing or hearings will be held.

Concept plans for the Blue Alternative can be viewed in the Fentress County Executive’s office, the Cumberland County and Crossville Mayor’s offices, and the TDOT Construction Office, located on Genesis Road in Cumberland County.