TDOT planning improvement projects at 4 locations on U.S. 64 at the Ocoee Gorge

From the Chattanoogan: A series of four spot improvement projects have been identified for the narrow, curvy Ocoee Gorge section of US 64, TDOT officials said.

The proposed improvements would cover approximately 20 miles of the corridor, from west of the Ocoee River to State Route (SR) 68 near Ducktown.

Officials said, "The purpose of the proposed projects is to improve the safety and efficiency of the route, as well as regional mobility and connectivity. The improvements would preserve environmental quality and support economic development.

"Proposed design improvements include roadway widening, guardrail installation, and curve correction, as well as intersection and recreational access improvements. Proposed rockfall mitigation includes rock excavation and catch fence installation. Due to the size of the proposed improvements, TDOT has split the project into several segments.

"Four spot improvements are in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2027. Concepts for the remainder of the corridor will continue to be developed and added to the plan.

"TDOT is currently working with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) on a targeted approach. The four targeted approach locations are currently in preliminary engineering and environmental studies are scheduled on locations to the east."

Here are the locations and the planned work:

Location 3: Welcome Valley Road to the bridge over Cloud Branch	Add a center two-way turning lane, six-foot paved shoulders, a 10-foot shared use path, and replace the bridge over Cloud Branch.
Location 4: Bridge over Cloud Branch to east of SR 314	Add a center two-way turning lane, six-foot paved shoulders, a 10-foot shared use path, and replace the bridge over Cloud Branch.
Location 7: Near the Lake Ocoee Inn to near the Lake Ocoee Marina	Improve the horizontal curve on SR 40 to improve the design speed, add a new entrance to Lake Ocoee Docks and Fuel (including a right-turn lane), and add a westbound left-turn lane.
Location 9: Existing USFS Ranger Station access drive to Oswald Road	Widen SR 40 to provide improved access to the Cherokee National Forest Ranger Station and Chilhowee Recreation area, including a dedicated left-turn lane onto Oswald Road.

The estimated construction start is Fiscal Year 2027.

TDOT invites the public to attend an upcoming public information meeting to share important updates since the 2024 meeting and gather input on the proposed Corridor K (US 64, SR 40) targeted approach projects in Polk County.

It will be Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5-7 p.m. EST at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 358 U.S. 64, Ocoee, Tn.