Karns intersection fix is funded (and notes)

Sandra ClarkKarns/Hardin Valley, Our Town Neighbors

Knox County has received a grant for $2.3 million for improvements to the intersection at Emory and Beaver Ridge roads in Karns. Knox County Commission accepted the grant in July, according to Jim Snowden, senior director of Engineering & Public Works.

“We haven’t received a notice to proceed with the design. … I’d estimate construction starting in early 2024. We would start sooner, but a lot of strings are attached to state money.”

Snowden thanked state Rep. Justin Lafferty for his support of the TDOT grant.

The $2,340,000 grant will provide for:

  • Installing a center turn lane on W. Emory from Karns Valley Drive to Copper Ridge Road;
  • Separate right and left lanes on Beaver Ridge Road; and
  • A traffic signal.

Currently, westbound traffic has the right-of-way with no stop continuing on W. Emory or turning left onto Beaver Ridge Road. This causes traffic to back up on W. Emory coming from Karns Valley Road.

In another “Neighbors” story today, we’ve got notice of $1.9 million being spent for a pedestrian bridge over Tazewell Pike to connect Gibbs High and Middle schools. Both numbers ($2.3 million in Karns and $1.9 million in Gibbs) can’t be right. And the Gibbs project does not require R-O-W acquisition.

We’re going to keep an eye on both projects.

Notes

Cheer Camp for kids today (10/18/22) and Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Free for ages 5-12. Sponsored by Grace Youth Sports. Facebook info. Register here.

Karns High School Ghoul at the School, Saturday, Oct. 29, 5:30-8 p.m. Trick-or-treating, games, crafts.

Hardin Valley Trunk or Treat will be Friday, Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. This community event will be in the Village Plaza parking lot at King University, Spring Bluff Way. Candy, hot dogs, inflatables, Info: here or here.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *