Newport Bypass (State Route 35, US 321)

Traffic Impacts

Motorists traveling on Lisega Boulevard in Cocke County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a temporary impact on traffic.

Beginning on Monday, September 16, Lisega Boulevard will be closed to allow for bridge construction as part of the Newport Bypass project. This road closure is expected be in place until Summer 2025.

Signage will be in place to direct motorists around the work zone. This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions.  Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

History and Background

The new alignment will begin 250 feet east of SR 9’s intersection with Thinwood Drive in Newport. The proposed improvement will consist of four twelve-foot travel lanes, two in each direction, with a twelve-foot center turn lane and twelve-foot shoulders (ten feet paved). The project will extend to the east from the intersection of State Route 9 (US 70) to Rankin Road, approximately 2.4 miles.  From Rankin Road to the project terminus, just south of Saint Tide Hollow Road, approximately 2.3 miles, the improvement will include two twelve-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, with twelve-foot shoulders (ten feet paved).  If traffic demand increases for this section, TDOT has purchased enough ROW to be able to construct additional lanes in the future when traffic warrants.

The project also includes two new proposed signal installations at the intersections of proposed SR 35 and SR 9 (US 70) and at the intersection of proposed SR 35 and SR 32 (US 25E).

There are no sidewalks or ADA ramps on the project.

Key Project Milestones

August 14, 2024

Summers Taylor is preparing to construct Bridge 2, Bent 1 Footings. Contractors are working with RR Protective Services. Blalock is constructing Bridge 1; Bridges 3 and 4 are mostly complete. Contractor has continued to excavate from the Station 270+00 area. Contractor continues to work on grading and erosion control throughout the project. Staking driveways for future construction.   

July 17, 2024

Summers Taylor is preparing to construct Bridge 2, Bent 1 Footings. Contractors are working with RR Protective Services. Blalock is constructing Bridge 1; Bridges 3 and 4 are mostly complete. Contractor has built EOP tie. Detour via Old Greeneville Hwy is no longer in effect. Earthwork is ongoing at the beginning and end of the project.    

April 30, 2024

Summers Taylor is onsite constructing bridge 2, bent 1 footings. Blalock is constructing bridge 1. Bridges 3 and 4 are mostly complete. Contratctor built EOP tie. Detour via Old Greeneville Highway is no longer in effect.

March 31, 2023

Summers Taylor is onsite constructing bridge 2. Blalock is onsite constructing bridge 3 and bridge 4. Water, sewer, fiber, and power are being installed. Blalock has cleared and grubbed at the end of job near the EOP tie in.

February 27, 2023

The contractor, Summers-Taylor, is onsite constructing bridge 2. Blalock is onsite constructing bridge 3 and bridge 4. Road and drainage excavation is underway at the largest cut section on the project. Water, sewer, fiber, and power are being installed.

November 28, 2022

GSR Fill is ongoing at Station 180. Summers Taylor is onsite constructing bridge 2, bents 4 and 5.  Blalock is onsite constructing bridge 3, bent 2. Road and drainage excavation is underway at the largest cut section on the project. Newport Utilities water, sewer, and power are being installed. 

September 26, 2022

Planned undercutting is ongoing throughout the project. Summers Taylor is onsite constructing bridge 2, bent 5. Blalock is onsite constructing bridge 3, bent 1. Road and Drainage excavation is underway at the largest cut section on the project. Newport Utilities waterlines are being installed.

August 28, 2022

EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. The box culvert at Station 229+50 has nearly been completed.  Planned undercutting is ongoing throughout the project. Summers Taylor is onsite constructing bridge 2, bent 5. Blalock will begin to construct bridge 3’s abutment and bent 1 this month. 

July 28, 2022

EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. Box Culverts at Station 186+40 are being built. The box culvert at Station 229+50 is being prepared to be built. Planned undercutting is ongoing throughout the project. Simpson is onsite building bridge 2 bent 5. Blalock will begin to construct bridge 3’s abutment and bent 1 this month. 

July 1, 2022

EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. Box Culverts at Station 186+40 are being built. The box culvert at Station 229+50 is being prepared to be built. The box culvert at Station 229+66 is being prepared to be built. Planned undercutting is ongoing throughout the project. Simpson is onsite preparing to build bridge 2. GSR is being installed at the undercut from Station 237+70 to 242+20. 

May 31, 2022

EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. Box culverts at Station 186+40 are being built. The box culvert at Station 229+50 is being prepared to be built. Planned undercutting is ongoing throughout the project. Simpson is onsite preparing to build bridge 2.

April 27, 2022

Clearing and grubbing operations are continuing between Rankin Road and Woodson Road. EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. Stream 5 have been diverted and the Box culverts at 186+40 will be constructed soon.

April 4, 2022

Clearing and grubbing operations have begun near Woodson Road. EPSC measures are being installed throughout the project. Advanced warning signs have all been installed throughout the project.

Project Imagery & Visuals