FMPC talks Old Stage light

From the Farragut Press:

Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Stage Road and Kingston Pike by spring of 2007 “is a great possibility” according to Farragut town leaders.

“To say it’s a done deal, not exactly, to say we think it’s a great possibility, the answer is yes,” Farragut Mayor W. Edward “Eddy” Ford III said during the bi-monthly Farragut Municipal Planning Commission meeting Thursday, July 6, in Town Hall.

Darryl Smith, town engineer, said the time frame was “about six months” after required paperwork is sent to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for their approval, adding up to “probably eight or nine months” before a traffic light at Old Stage and Kingston Pike actually would be up and operating.

The Weigel's debate continues

There have been some improvements to the design of the Weigel's project at Smith Road and Kingston Pike. The nagging question of the variance for the Smith Road entrance remains. It is the quintessential government question, should a variance to save a business money be allowed when the public perceives that the variance will compromise public safety.

The debate continues.

Roundabout questions still exist

The idea of temporary three way stop signs is being considered for the roundabout at Northshore Drive and Concord Road. Having spoken with both Craig Leuthold and Mike Hammond about the roundabout I can tell you that this idea of stop signs is due to public pressure. The people of Southwest Knox County are furious over the roundabout. The question is whether their feelings matter. Like so many things in the past few years public input does not carry the same weight as it used to.

The contract for roundabout construction will be let in September. Time after time we have been told the roundabout is the only solution.

That is not correct. I spoke with Bruce Wuethrich of the Knox County Engineering Department. There are other options. I will have more information on this subject after I meet with Allen Childers of Canon and Canon engineering who did the design for the roundabout.