Oct. 4, 2023
Construction on Knob Creek Improvement Project now under way
The Johnson City Public Works Department has begun a years-long road expansion project designed to ease congestion and improve traffic on West Oakland, West Mountainview, and Knob Creek roads.
The Knob Creek Improvement Project consists of four phases, the first of which is on West Oakland Road between Hanover and West Mountainview roads. Construction activity will cause intermittent lane closures between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for approximately six months. Work on phase one began Oct. 3.
The results of phase one will include widening West Oakland Road to three lanes with a turning lane planned for the center. In the area of Denny Mill Road, contractors working with Public Works will install a new bridge. Additionally, a reduction in the limited sight distance curve that is currently difficult to navigate will make the roadway safer.
Phase two will begin in mid to late 2024. This Public Works construction activity will increase West Mountainview Road from a two- to a three-lane road between West Oakland and Knob Creek roads. Work on this phase is estimated to take one year.
Construction for phases three and four will be performed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Results from this construction will include widening Knob Creek Road to five lanes with a turning lane in the center. This expansion begins at Marketplace Boulevard and will continue west. A new bridge will be constructed over the railroad bypassing the single-lane railroad tunnel. Phases three and four will take approximately three years to complete.
Projected completion times are subject to change due to weather, material availability and other issues that can alter construction timelines.
Signage and flaggers will be in place to direct all motorists during the phased construction. Drivers who cannot avoid the area should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers.
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