Scope of Project
Parsons Brinckerhoff, serving as a consultant to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, is working to apply the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) approach to the highway planning process for the improvements to US 127 North from I-40 at Crossville to S.R. 62 at Clarkrange and prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The US 127 North project is one of eight initial TDOT CSS projects. CSS is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility (FHWA).
As part of the CSS approach for the US 127 North project, two citizens’ teams were formed to serve in an advisory role to assist TDOT with the development of project alternatives. The Citizens’ Resource Team (CRT) is responsible for providing input from the community for the entire project area. The Clarkrange Working Group (CWG) is responsible for providing input from the community on issues regarding the Clarkrange community.
In addition, a project website, newsletters, and public information meetings help keep the community informed about the project.
Resource Agency Involvement
Coordination with federal and state resource agencies has been up-front and continuous. As a result, agency issues and concerns are being addressed from the beginning and are not likely to cause the project delays later on.
Public Benefit
The input from the community will allow for the development of an alternative that addresses the transportation needs and fits the community.
Brad Winkler, P.E.
Member of the Land Use
Committee