Last week’s announcement that Volkswagen will be building a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga has led to excitement about possible spinoffs and the importance of highway connections, including the Corridor K/Ocoee Gorge bypass, which has been touted as a direct route from Chattanooga to East Coast ports.

The announcement will not speed up the process of developing the project, according to Jennifer Flynn, spokesperson for the Tennessee Derpartment of Transportation, but the general consensus seems to be that Chattanooga's getting the VW plant will cause transportation in the entire region to receive more attention than it may have before, including the Corridor K project. Funds are in place for planning the highway, but the state has not made a commitment to the 20% matching funds needed for the Appalachian Regional Highway, which has the needed federal funding.

Even before the VW announcement, the Corridor K project was going forward at a steady pace.  After a lengthy selection process, Commissioner Nicely chose the URS Corporation (headquartered in San Francisco CA) in May to prepare a Transportation Planning Report and NEPA (environmental) documents, and to implement Context Sensitive Solutions/Design for the Corridor K project.

In August, TDOT personnel will meet with URS representatives to discuss the project, plan public involvement and work on contract documents between the Department and URS.  This process could take a month or two.  In the fall, the consultant should begin the Report and develop the project resource team and any working teams for the Corridor K project.  Following the completion of the Transportation Planning report, the NEPA process will occur.  The NEPA process will include much public involvement and eventually generate an Environmental Impact Statement.  

This process could take as long as 3 to 4 years. Flynn said the national average for an EIS of this size and complexity is 54 months.

In Bradley County, officials have intensified efforts for major improvements to I-75’s Exit 20 which would allow better access to Hwy. 64 as well as potential industrial property near the exit.