A partnership project between Town of Farragut and the Tennessee Department of Transportation on intersection improvements at Watt Road and Kingston Pike is under way.

The project’s cost is $1.396 million, with the Town’s portion costing $561,000, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2022.

According to TDOT’s web page describing the project, “The planned modifications are needed to improve the safety and operation of the intersection, relieve delays and congestion and accommodate current and future traffic demands.”

TDOT’s overall project description on its web page states, “TDOT plans to (reconstruct) the intersection of Kingston Pike and Watt Road with grading, paving and signalization. Medians will be removed, new signals will be installed and a new business entrance will be constructed off South Watt Road for Dixie Lee Wines & Liquors.

“The layout of North Watt Road will change with the addition of a right turn lane. The layout of South Watt Road and Kingston Pike will remain the same,” the web page stated.

“Sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals will be added to the intersection.”

In a directly related matter, Farragut’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a supplement request during its regular Thursday, July 22, meeting from Qk4 Inc. for additional engineering services on the project at an added cost of $11,464.15, bringing the total cost of that portion to $153,867.15.

Initially, BOMA signed an agreement with Ok4 in 2014 to develop the plans.

“At that time, our intent was for a much simpler lane ‘reassignment,’ but the project scope was increased (along with our design costs) to include pedestrian crossings, installation of new signal and southbound right turn lane,” a report from Town engineer Darryl Smith stated.

“Due to the increased scope (and cost), the Town entered into an agreement with TDOT to fund a portion of the costs with TDOT Spot Safety funding.”

During the meeting, Smith said purchasing right-of-way easements helped contribute to the project’s delay.