By Bill Grubb
News Editor

NASHVILLE - "Alternative C - Modified" is the Tennessee Department of Transportation's choice for a new and improved Highway 11E.
    According to an announcement issued Tuesday by TDOT, the route designated as "Alternative C - Modified) is the "preferred alternative" for the highway in the Bulls Gap area.
    The proposed route will involve the construction of a new four-lane highway passing to the east and north of the main portion of the town.  The entire project will involve a new four-lane highway linking the I-81 exit 23 area with Morristown
    "Now that they have settled on the route we need them to move forward with the project as quickly as possible," Hawkins County Mayor Crockett Lee said.
    TDOT will now prepare the final environmental document on the Alternative C - Modified alternative.
    In early 2000, TDOT officials began publically discussing a plan to widen the two-lane section of 11E, also known as State Route 34, from Interstate 81 in Greene County to Morristown.          Initial plans for the project proposed locating the new four-lane highway south of Bulls Gap. 
    In the most recent plans options "A" and "B" keep the road almost entirely in Greene and Hamblen counties.  Several versions of an alternative "C" were later included, with the current version bringing the new highway through the northern end of the city near Barrette Outdoor Living, formerly known as U.S. Fence.
    At a July 14 public hearing, held in Hamblen County, Bulls Gap Mayor Robin Horner, Hawkins County Mayor Crockett Lee, Ninth District Representative Mike Harrison, who represents Hawkins County, Fifth District Representative David Hawk, of Greene County, Tenth District Representative John Litz, of Hamblen County and former Greene County Mayor Roger Jones all took the opportunity to endorse the "C" alternative and advocate quick action on the project.
    Horner explained the first two options would result in people spending "maybe 15 seconds or less" in Hawkins County, which he fears will have a negative impact on Bulls Gap.
    "If you build the road around Bulls Gap, just look at what happened to the old part of Mosheim.  At least Mosheim was able to move to the new road, that would be pretty much impossible for Bulls Gap," Horner said.
    Lee suggested an improved 11E and proposed improvements to Highway 66 to make it a "super two-lane highway" are the best options to link that portion of the county with the interstate.
    Jones noted Greene County Solid Waste trucks use 11E numerous times every day, on their way to the Carter's Valley landfill in Hawkins County and he suggested safety should be a concern in expediting the project and in determining where construction should begin.
    "I strongly recommend that, if
you can't start at both ends, at least look at that end (from Greene to Hawkins County)," Jones said, drawing applause from the crowd.
    Litz noted the project has been on the drawing board for years, with numerous public hearings in the past.   
    "It seems like everyone is pretty much in agreement on the need for the road and the best route.  My gosh, just build it," Litz proclaimed, also drawing applause.
    Keeping the highway in Hawkins County and near the Barrette plant has been a high priority of the Hawkins County Industrial Board because of the heavy volume of truck traffic at the plant.
    At the July meeting TDOT representatives provided estimated costs for all options.                  Alternative "A" is approximately 14.5 miles in length with a $225 million price tag; "B" is 14.2 miles in length with a slightly higher cost of $227 million; option "C" is both the longest, at 15.7 miles, and most expensive, with the cost projected at $292 million.
    Tom Love, TDOT Manager I, said during the July meeting the only section that is currently "programmed" is between Steadman and Stagecoach Roads in Hamblen County.  TDOT will begin right-of-way acquisition for that section in 2010.