Updates:
Niles Ferry Traffic Light:
Disclaimer-
- HIAC is sharing information received from TDOT. HIAC will forward information to POA & TVRA for their websites
- Tellico Village (and HIAC) has no authority related to design, management, or implementation of the Niles Ferry/Hwy 411 light project
- HIAC has no information related to detailed project-specific questions
- The project started with Rights of Ways & utility acquisitions (October, 2025) and is continuing YTD
- 3/4/2026, at 2 p.m. : Meeting with TDOT Project Mgr & HIAC (Deb Marshall, Greg Seigworth, Don Manning0.
- Project is fully funded
- Greg Seigworth is being added to the TDOT project team
- Rights of Way acquisitions are underway with the Grade School and Bank. No others required at this time
- Contract bid “let” on schedule for Summer 2026 (July, August, September time frame)
- Once the contractor is selected, there is a 2-month deadline for the construction plan
- Left turn/Straight lane off Niles Ferry on to Hwy 411 South
- Right turn lane off Niles Ferry on to Hwy 411 North
- Short right turn lane off 411 North on to Niles Ferry
- Cross walks on 3 sides:
- 1) across Niles Ferry Rd
- 2) across Hwy 411 on North side
- 3) across Church St
- 411 Smart light system both timed & photo electric based on volume
- Contractor will provide work zone alerts & signage
- Contractor will provide traffic direction as needed for safety and to avoid traffic clogs at a.m. and p.m. school student delivery and pickup times as much as possible
- Road construction will occur later evenings as much as possible. Detours and late night work is not presently anticipated
- Most time is spent for utility movement & upgrades and readjusting property lines at the school and bank
- Up to 9 different utility companies are estimated to be involved. They are responsible for coordinating who is doing what, what time needed,etc
Roundabout Update:
Project Timing:
1. TDOT reports that project funding was secured as of December 2025. Design consultants have been retained. Land survey activity should be complete by the end of April 2025. Design work should occur in 2026. Right-of-way identification and acquisition should occur in 2027. The project should be let for construction in early 2028. Completion one year from contract letting. THESE TIMES ARE TENTATIVE.
Site Conditions During Construction:
1. Spec Book and contract conditions are not in place. However, the 444, Cheeyo and Mialoqua will require temporary closures and temporary rerouting. The details of the same will be determined in consultation with the TDOT team (which will include POA representatives).