LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Motorists traveling Highway 63 will soon see relief during their drives.

Following numerous complaints, county officials reached out to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in hopes it could correct some of the construction related issues.

Following a site visit last week, TDOT informed the county changes would be implemented.

The changes to Highway 63 include:

-The speed limit will be reduced in the 55mph zone to 45mph

– A left turn lane will be designed and added at Myers Lane

– Stop bars and stop signs will be relocated closer to traffic

-White and yellow lines on side roads on the north side will be extended with the stop bar

-Barrels will be tightened up next to the side roads to avoid motorist confusion

– Barricades will be added at locations where motorists are joining the traffic from the south

– TDOT Regional Safety Staff will conduct nightly audits in order to make further suggestions/corrections if necessary

Construction on the road began this fall to increase the road from a two- lane road to a five-lane road, according to TDOT’s website.

Once the work is completed, from LaFollette to Hall Lane will be widened to four 12-foot travel lanes with a12 foot center turning lane, TDOT said. New traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of Highway 63 and Myers Lane as well at the intersection of Highway 63 and Middlesboro Road/ Wildwood Circle.

Potter South East, LLC was awarded the contract to complete the construction, according to TDOT.

The four-phase project is scheduled to be finished by May 31, 2023.

“Construction projects can certainly affect our efforts to get from point A to point B.  We appreciate the patience of the motoring public as this important work continues,” was TDOT Spokesperson Mark Nagi’s response when pressed for a completion date. “In the end this will be a safer and more efficient roadways for motorists in Claiborne and Campbell Counties.”    (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 12/22/2020-6AM)

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