1.
The first step of this process has been completed. Improvements
to this interchange (and 2 others on I-26) were recommended in
the Johnson City 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan which was
completed last year. They were ranked as top priorities for the
Johnson City MTPO.
2.
A Transportation Planning Report / Interchange Modification Study
was requested by the Johnson City MTPO in 2008.
3.
This request was approved and the study is underway. The Transportation
Planning Report / Interchange Modification Studies are listed
as a work task in the Johnson City MTPO Unified Planning and Work
Program for federal fiscal year 2009. I do not have a timeframe
for completion but I have been informed by the TDOT Project Planning
Office this is a top priority and they have a short time frame
to get the study completed.
4.
Next, the recommendations from the Transportation Planning Report
/ Interchange Modification Study must be approved and funding
must be
identified for these improvements.
5.
Once funding has been identified and programmed, design work for
the project can begin.
6.
After the design has been approved, Right-Of-Way acquired if necessary,
environmental permits approved, and construction funds have been
obligated actual construction can begin.
