State and local officials were in Maynardville April 8 to break ground for the 5.2-mile final stretch of four-laning State Route 33 from Halls to Maynardville.
This project consists of widening the existing two-lane road from the Knox County line to south of State Route 144 for approximately 5.2 miles. The alignment will consist of four 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction with a 12-foot center turn lane and 10-foot shoulders, which will extend across the whole span of the project, according to TDOT.
This project includes removal of the existing and construction of a new proposed 200-foot I-Beam bridge crossing Bull Run Creek. It also includes the extension and re-construction of multiple box bridges and box culverts as well as the installation of other new drainage features along the route. New school zone flashing beacons will be installed at Paulette Elementary School and installation of new roadway signage, guardrail and pavement markings.
“State Route 33 serves as a critical connection route from Knoxville through Maynardville,” said Steve Borden, TDOT regional director. “The purpose of widening SR 33 is to create a safer and more efficient route by improving traffic flow and increasing the capacity of traffic by adding travel lanes.”
The contractor for the $50.2 million project is Charles Blalock and Sons Inc. of Sevierville, Tennessee.