TDOT Shows Ideas for Cleveland
Decembeer 21, 2007

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Four interchange options at Interstate 75 exit 20 and four more for a proposed interchange on the U.S. Highway 64 bypass, or APD 40, were unveiled Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

"These are two independent projects," Steve Allen, TDOT's director of project planning, reminded public officials, state legislators, Chamber of Commerce representatives and property owners.

The exit 20 ideas ranged from a diamond shape similar to but bigger than the existing interchange to large loops, one of which would take in some existing businesses. Costs ranged from $6.5 million to $11.1 million, depending on the design.

The new APD 40 interchange would allow access to land along U.S. 64 between I-75 and U.S. 11, as well as the exit 20 area, for commercial development. Estimated costs range from $6.5 million to $10.5 million.

Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland said U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp and Sen. Lamar Alexander, both R-Tenn., also have signaled strong support for a Cherokee National Forest welcome center in the southeastern section of exit 20.

He said the two officials got $5.7 million for the interchange work a year ago.

Mr. Allen said the state is looking at whether some of that money could be used for the APD 40 interchange.

Local industry representatives expressed concerns about the existing exit 20 interchange, which has a narrow bridge where tractor-trailer rigs routinely lose side mirrors as they turn.

Cleveland Public Works Director Tom Grant reminded the TDOT officials that exit 20 affects all of the southern half of the county, residential and industrial areas alike. The next interchange is at Ooltewah, he said.

"We consider this the gateway to Corridor K," said Gary Farlow, the Chamber's vice president for economic development, referring to the highway through the Ocoee River Gorge.

Several people predicted growth in the area between exit 20 and exit 11 at Ooltewah. Mr. Rowland said Cleveland and Chattanooga's city limits are only about 7.5 miles apart.

Mr. Allen said the next step will be a search for funds.

"My short speech is, we are broke," he said.

When TDOT and the Federal Highway Administration have narrowed the options, he said, there will be another hearing for the general public.

He said the plans are preliminary.

"This is a draft. It is not final," Mr. Allen said.