TOP PHOTO: Commissioner Beverly Hall brought the issue up, saying she was still receiving multiple calls about the turn off at Davis Chapel Road and others along the recently re-built Highway 63/General Stiner Highway. This photo of the Davis Chapel turn off was snapped by WLAF’s Charlie Hutson last month.

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – County commissioners held their monthly workshop on Monday evening, setting the agenda for next week. Top agenda items will include a resolution asking the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to look into safety issues with multiple turn offs from Highway 63 going up the valley.

Commissioner Beverly Hall brought the issue up, saying she was still receiving multiple calls about the turn off at Davis Chapel Road and others.

County Mayor Jack Lynch said he was still receiving calls as well and that he had been in contact with TDOT about the issue but was waiting to hear back from them.

Several other commissioners said they received calls and complaints weekly regarding these turn offs and the lack of turning lanes.

County commissioners met Monday evening for their monthly workshop. Road issues on multiple “turn-offs” up the valley topped the discussion and will be on next week’s agenda.

Commissioner Rusty Orick suggested the commissioners pass a resolution asking TDOT to “figure out a solution.” 

“I’m not an engineer, but those turns are all too sharp, you take the turn and end up in the gravel,” Orick said.

Commissioner Dewayne “Mailman” Kitts said he had spoken to County Road Superintendent Ron Dilbeck, and that Dilbeck said he had spoken to TDOT and was also trying to get something done.

Commissioner Scott Kitts said he had received 11 calls as well and that the problem went “all the way up the valley.”

Commissioner Dewayne Gibson said he continuously gets “about five calls a week about the issue.”

“They were not designed right if you ask me,” Gibson said. 

Orick suggested that once approved, the resolution needs to be sent to Sen. Ken Yager.

This issue will be voted on at next Monday’s meeting.

In other business, Orick asked his fellow commissioners to “keep in mind April 6 is the sale of the county building going up for auction.”

He also said he plans to call an insurance committee meeting sometime soon, and he will announce the date once it has been set. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/12/2024-6AM)

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