Veterans Boulevard (State Route 449 Extension)
Sevier County
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) plans to construct an extension of State Route 449 (Veterans Parkway) in Sevier County. The extension of SR 449, which has been split into two projects, will provide additional transportation options to residents and tourists in Sevier County.
Phase 1, which will extend SR 449 from its current terminus at State Route 35 to Robert Henderson Road, was initiated at the request of local stakeholders, who funded a portion of the project’s design. Phase 2, which will extend SR 449 approximately 4.5 miles from its new terminus at Robert Henderson Road to Gists Creek Road, was identified for funding in Governor Bill Lee’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Both segments will include four 12-foot travel lanes, shoulders, and turn lanes as appropriate.
Current Status: Right-of-way acquisition is underway for Phase 1. Preliminary engineering is underway for Phase 2.
Estimated construction start: Phase 1 is scheduled in TDOT’s 10-Year Project Plan to begin construction in Fiscal Year 2025. Phase 2 is scheduled in TDOT’s 10-Year Project Plan to begin construction in Fiscal Year 2027.
Estimated completion*: TBD
Funding Type: Phase 1 received partial funding for the design phase from local stakeholders. Phase 2 is funded through the Statewide Partnership Program. Sevier County is providing a portion of the project’s funding, with the remainder funded through the 2023 General Fund Transfer and traditional federal and state sources.
History and Background
Both projects were originally initiated by local stakeholders in and around Sevier County, and local stakeholders initially contracted with design consultants to complete the proposed design for each project. TDOT has committed to take over both projects and let them to construction.
SR 35 to Robert Henderson Road
This segment will include a 5-foot sidewalk along the eastern side of the roadway and a 10-foot greenway on the western side of the roadway.
The proposed design also includes a new bridge crossing the Little Pigeon River as well as signal upgrades at the intersections with Dolly Parton Parkway and Robert Henderson Road.
Project Contacts
Mark Nagi
TDOT Region 1 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Phone: 865.594.0161
Email: Mark.Nagi@tn.gov
John Sherk
TDOT Region 1 Project Management
Email: John.Sherk@tn.gov