KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Drivers in Hardin Valley could soon be able to drive easily through a tight intersection of three roads.
Officials with Knox County Government said Tuesday that crews started building a new roundabout at the intersection of Hardin Valley Road, E. Gallaher Ferry Road and Hickory Creek Road. Currently, they said there are sharp, 90-degree turns at the intersection that could be dangerous for drivers.
“People are not expecting it. Going westbound or eastbound approaching this intersection, you’ve got a mile of roadway that’s flat and relatively straight. Then you have a curve where you have to slow down to 10 miles per hour,” said Jim Snowden, senior director of Knox County Engineering and Public Works. “This new roundabout will have everyone come into one point, eliminate conflict points, and really operate more efficiently and safely.”
They also said they wanted to get started on the project to better accommodate an expected increase in traffic soon, due to more houses being built in the area and more people moving to Hardin Valley.
They also said a developer of a subdivision in the area is giving $300,000 for the project, which costs a total of $1.2 million. Through mid-November 2022, Snowden also said drivers will see large construction equipment near the intersection. Contractors will have until then to finish the project.
They also said building the roundabout should not interfere with traffic, or require crews to close the roads. Since the roundabout is being built in a nearby empty space next to the intersection, Snowden said it should not interfere with the construction of homes either.