TDOT State Route 170 Widening in Anderson County, Tennessee- Easement and Section 26a Approval

Anderson County, Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has identified and proposed a project including the replacement of a bridge spanning Melton Hill Reservoir at Clinch River mile 48, and the widening and realignment of a section of state route (SR) 170 located in Anderson County, Tennessee. This proposed project would impact approximately 12.21 acres of TVA property, which is part of a larger 6.18-mile corridor spanning the section of SR-170 from SR-62 (Oak Ridge Highway) to SR-9 (United States Highway 25W, Clinton Highway). This proposed project would correct geometric deficiencies in the roadway, improve connectivity and mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and meet the legislative intent of the “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads, and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy” (IMPROVE) Act and the “Transportation Modernization Act” (TMA).

The use of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds for this project triggered the requirement to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Section 26a of the TVA Act requires TVA approval prior to construction, operation, or maintenance of any dam, appurtenant works, or other obstructions affecting navigation, flood control, or public lands or reservation across, along, or in the Tennessee River watershed. On TVA reservoirs, this jurisdiction typically applies to the limits of the 500-year floodplain or to the upper limits of TVA’s flowage easement rights or property boundary, whichever is higher. Because the Project would be located partially on TVA property, TVA has Section 26a jurisdiction over portions of the project area and must consider whether to approve or deny the Section 26a permit application as well as a permanent easement over approximately 12.21 acres of TVA property impacted by the Project. 

The City of Oak Ridge currently holds licenses over portions of these tracts for recreational use. 

TDOT and FHWA completed the required EA with TVA serving as a cooperating agency. In March 2026, TDOT made its EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) final. TVA reviewed and has adopted the EA and has prepared its own FONSI to cover issuance of a Section 26a permit and a permanent easement for the components of the project that are located within TVA’s jurisdiction.

The process to formally grant the requested easement and Section 26a permit is separate from the NEPA process and is ongoing.

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