EXIT 408 APPOVED BY TDOT
TDOT Approves Exit 408 10-Year Plan: The Plan to
December 29, 2023
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently announced the approval of Exit 408's 10-year plan, marking an important milestone in the development of this key interchange. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Exit 408 will serve as a vital gateway to the growing communities and natural wonders of the region. With this plan's green light, the future holds promise for improved connectivity, enhanced safety measures, and increased economic opportunities for all.
The study proposed the exit be located about a mile east of Exit 407, connecting a 2.09-mile stretch from East Dumplin Valley Road and the intersection of Douglas Dam Road and Kyler Ferry Road.
More than 15.76 million cars used Exit 407 in 2022, and that number will only increase as visitors flock to the always-busy Buc-ee's and other new attractions.
The Need for Change
Exit 408, which connects Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 441 in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, has long been a bottleneck, struggling to accommodate the influx of visitors and residents alike. This issue was brought to the forefront of discussion with the addition of the world’s largest Bucc-ee’s and the future Gateway to Adventure destination at Exit 407.As the region's popularity continues to soar, the existing infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the demands of the growing population.
To address these challenges, the planners collaborated with experts, local stakeholders, and the community to formulate the 10-year plan. The primary goal was to elevate the infrastructure and streamline traffic flow, ensuring a seamless experience for both commuters and tourists. The TDOT approval is a major milestone for developers, tourists, and locals alike.
“This 10-Year Plan is a landmark development for our community,” Larry Waters, Sevier County Mayor, stated in a news release shared Wednesday, Dec. 20. “TDOT’s commitment to collaborating with local officials ensures that the needs of Sevier County are heard and addressed. We are grateful for their partnership in sharing this transformative vision for our future.”
“These improvements on Highway 411 not only address pressing safety concerns but also lay the groundwork for future expansion to a five-lane highway,” Waters said. “We are particularly encouraged by TDOT’s commitment to monitoring the highway for further enhancements and Sevier County remains actively engaged in advocating for the comprehensive expansion of Highway 411 from Sims Road to Pittman Center Road.”
Economic Impact on the Region
The approval of Exit 408's 10-year plan is expected to have a far-reaching positive impact on the local economy. The enhanced connectivity and improved infrastructure will encourage more visitors to explore the wonders of the Smoky Mountains, increasing tourism revenue for the region. Moreover, the development of Exit 408 will create job opportunities during the construction phase while attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth in the long run.
Local business owners and residents have expressed their excitement, anticipating an influx of tourists and the potential for sustainable economic development. The plan's approval is seen as a testament to the government's commitment to the region's prosperity and ensuring that the Smoky Mountains remain an attractive destination.
Looking Ahead
While TDOT’s approval is a major milestone in making 408 a reality, we are still a distance from the relief exit 407 will receive from the plan’s completion. In the meantime, exit 407’s Gateway to Adventure is continuing its development and will bring additional traffic in the coming years to this already busy intersection. Developments in both projects will be a race to the finish.