SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Repaving has officially begun on State Route 338, also known as Boyd’s Creek Highway, marking the start of a significant road improvement initiative across East Tennessee. This effort follows the passage of a state budget in April that included a substantial funding boost for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
TDOT has received a historic one-time infusion of $1 billion, supplemented by $80 million in recurring annual funds, aimed at accelerating road repairs and maintenance statewide. “This is the first time such a level of funding has been allocated, allowing us to get a lot more work done, and done faster,” said Mark Nagi, a spokesperson for TDOT.
The additional resources will support both bridge and pavement repairs, with plans to increase resurfacing activities by an estimated 130 miles each year. According to Nagi, this funding will help TDOT maintain a strict resurfacing schedule despite the challenging winter weather conditions that frequently impact roads in East Tennessee.
“Typically, TDOT targets an eight- to ten-year resurfacing cycle for interstates and a 12- to 14-year cycle for state routes,” Nagi explained. “However, the harsher winters here mean our roads often take more damage, so we sometimes need to accelerate that schedule.”
The funding is part of TDOT’s broader commitment to a “State of Good Repair,” focusing on maintaining existing infrastructure without incurring transportation debt. Tennessee operates as a pay-as-you-go state, making regular maintenance critical to avoiding costly future repairs.
A list of roadways scheduled for repaving during the fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) has already been identified. In addition to State Route 338 in Sevier County, other key routes in East Tennessee counties such as Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, and Scott are included.
The comprehensive resurfacing program promises improved road safety and travel conditions for drivers throughout the region, reinforcing TDOT’s ongoing mission to maintain Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure efficiently and effectively.
