Karns Connector ahead of schedule

A project that has been in the works for 15 years is closer to completion as Phase Two of the Karns Connector is well under construction and ahead of the August 2018 completion date, according to Jim Snowdon, deputy director of Knox County Engineering and Public Works.

Phase Two of the $6 million project connects Oak Ridge Highway at Karns Valley Drive near the Knox County Sports Park to Westcott Boulevard near Hardin Valley Road.

There will be a stoplight at both Oak Ridge Highway and Hardin Valley Road. According to Snowdon, the completed road will greatly reduce congestion of the underpass on Byington Beaver Ridge Road.

“The big goal is alleviating congestion around the underpass.

“Our estimates are that half of all that through traffic will be shifted off of Byington Beaver Ridge Road and moved over onto the new Karns Connector. That’s going to be a significant improvement.”

He said the new road will be much better able to handle speed and heavy traffic.

"The connector is designed for a speed of 45 miles an hour, whereas most of our existing roads is 30 at best. It will have relatively flat curves, relatively easy grades, and wide shoulders so it will be able to accommodate a lot more traffic at a higher speed."

The stoplight on Oak Ridge Highway at Karns Valley Drive, which is scheduled for installation within the next three weeks, should help slow down traffic while the project as a whole should help reduce traffic volume, thereby helping to alleviate some of the traffic woes suffered by those living in Wexford Downs.

Snowdon said another possibility is under discussion.

“Our traffic projection shows that the volume of traffic at Wexford Downs will be greatly diminished by the project. In addition, one of the things we’re talking about is possibly terminating the connection of Byington Solway with Oak Ridge Highway, thereby allowing Wexgate Boulevard to have a “T” intersection instead of the four-way intersection they currently have.

"Right now, people have to compete with traffic coming off Byington Solway. We can then take that left turn lane onto Byington Solway and convert it into an acceleration lane for folks exiting Wexford Downs so that they have more opportunity to make a safe turn onto Oak Ridge Highway."

That decision has not been made, but it is being discussed.