TDOT is blaming the holdup on ATT. They said they can't proceed till ATT puts in their fiber optic cables.

I say this is a bunch of hooey. Sounds like the blame game to me. I suspect if TDOT wanted the project finished, ATT would have been told to get their work done. What if ATT decides not to do their work for another five years? 

It's coming up on 14 months since the contractor set up the first orange barrels. That's a good 8 months longer than the project should have taken.

Below is the letter received by some from TDOT and a clip from a stort in last weeks News Herald.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding roadwork in Lenoir City. The intersection of US321/US11 is an extremely busy interchange with multiple utility, drainage, and traffic control features to incorporate.  AT&T’s fiber optics installation has proven to limit construction. 

While work is delayed in this area, the contractor has been able to work on the remaining 1.3 miles of the US 321 widening project.  Paving and re-opening of the right-hand turn lane traveling north on US321 should be completed within the next two weeks (weather permitting).  This should alleviate some of the delays of the intersection. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Should you have further questions or comments regarding this project, please contact District 19 Operations Manager, Mr. Todd Sexton, at (865)717-1521 or at Todd.Sexton@tn.gov

Sincerely,

Steven M. Borden, P.E.

Director/Assistant Chief Engineer
TDOT – Region 1

Hwy 11/321 construction update:

AT&T was notified that they could begin installing their fiber optics in May,” Nagi said. “This work has not been scheduled at this time. If the placement of AT&T’s installation causes a delay, then the contractor can submit a request for a time extension for review by TDOT. ... Once this line is placed, they will be able to complete the grading and paving required to move to the last phase of construction.” (source; News-Herald)