Crossville City Council Approves Proposed Retail Development Plans

During Wednesday evening’s special called meeting, the Crossville City Council voted unanimously to approve a measure regarding a proposed retail development project along Interstate Drive.

Mayor James Mayberry made a motion to approve an amount not to exceed $900,000 for the widening of Old Jamestown Highway to three lanes, to include drainage and sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and utility relocation along a stretch of roadway from the traffic light at Interstate Drive to Matherly Street – all within 18 months of the Hand Company’s acquisition of the properties.

Discussion ensued as to whether a traffic light was necessary, or if a four-way stop would be sufficient. If the light were included as part of the Northwest Connector project, TDOT would pay for its installation.

Crossville Director of Engineering Tim Begley presented specifics of the plan to the Council.

• Utility relocation for 1,150 feet of water and sewer lines, plus the relocation of six telephone poles with three different cables, would cost an estimated $78,000.
• If the city can use the existing two-lane, 22-foot-wide stretch of asphalt as a base, it would reduce the cost of paving the 36-foot width to accommodate the desired three lanes. If not, the estimated cost of paving the three lanes – including a turning lane along the entire 1,150-foot distance – would be $198,000.
• For curbs and gutters on both sides of the road, and a sidewalk along the east side of Old Jamestown Highway, Begley estimated $50,000. He noted the sidewalk component is part of an existing plan to install sidewalks extending from Interstate Drive to the post office. This would include the expense of filling in the ditches along the sides of the roadway once storm drains have been put in.

Begley said his figures are based on the costs for outside contractors. If the work can be done in house, that would reduce costs significantly – to within the neighborhood of $300,000.

Once the plan is approved, TDOT will request a study detailing traffic flow from Old Jamestown Highway and Interstate Drive. Begley said that would basically suffice as the study required for the traffic signal at Interstate Drive, which he indicated would be preferable to a four-way stop.

Mayberry confirmed the whole plan is contingent upon the Hand family’s donating the necessary right-of-way to undertake the project.