I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study Report Available for Public Review and Comment

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has completed development of the I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study and associated planning products. The PEL Study identifies improvement recommendations for approximately 17 miles of interstate, extending from the I-40/I-75 Interchange in LoudonCounty to the I-640 interchange west of Knoxville.

The PEL Study examined solutions to address congestion, improve travel times, and enhance system modernization along portions of Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 in Anderson, Knox, and Loudon counties. A PEL Study is a collaborative approach that integrates transportation planning with environmental review. By connecting these phases, duplication of effort is reduced, leading to more efficient decision-making, improved public involvement, and better overall outcomes.

TDOT has identified PEL Recommended Alternatives for public and agency review and comment. The draft recommendations and supporting materials are available on the I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study Website: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/west-knoxville-corridor.html. Following consideration of public and agency comments and FHWA review and approval, TDOT intends to adopt or incorporate the PEL Study planning products and recommendations into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, as appropriate, consistent with 23 U.S.C. 168.

The PEL Study Report recommendations are not final project commitments. Before advancing a PEL Recommended Alternative as a programmed project, TDOT must identify and allocate funding. The recommendations are based on the identified needs, objective, study goals, methodologies, and evaluation criteria.

Planning products will also be available in-person for review at the following locations until November 26, 2026:

Lenoir City Public Library | 120 W Broadway St. | Lenoir City, TN 37771

Farragut Branch Library | 417 N Campbell Station Rd. | Knoxville, TN 37934

Bearden Branch Library | 100 Golf Club Rd. | Knoxville, TN 37919

Public comments will be accepted through November 26, 2026. Individuals are encouraged to submit comments by one of the following methods:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-855-925-2801 | Project Code - 11074
Mail: I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor PEL Study Comments, 312 Rosa L Parks Ave., 24th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0349

Persons with disabilities who require aids or services to participate in the public comment period may contact TDOT ADA Coordinator Shanna Chevalier no less than 10 days prior to the end date of the comment period at [email protected], by phone at (615) 741-0465, or TTY at 711.