Knoxville's Papermill Drive: A Pressing Infrastructure Challenge

Knoxville's Papermill Drive has long been a source of concern for the city, with a recent 0,000 survey outlining potential improvements. However, the issue of funding has hindered progress, leading to ongoing traffic problems and safety concerns for both businesses and emergency responders.

Uncovering the Complexities of Papermill Drive's Traffic Woes

A Bottleneck for Businesses and Emergency Services

Papermill Drive, a crucial connector between Kingston Pike, Northshore Drive, and I-40, has consistently experienced heavy traffic, posing challenges for both businesses and emergency responders. The recent 50th anniversary event at McKay's, a prominent local business, highlighted the severity of the issue, as thousands of visitors flocked to the area, clogging the roadway and leading to 23 heat-related incidents that the Knoxville Fire Department struggled to address due to the traffic congestion.Mark Wilbanks, a representative from the Knoxville Fire Department, acknowledged the difficulties his crews face when responding to emergencies on Papermill Drive. "A lot of times, we try to avoid going down Papermill," he said. "If we have to go to the opposite end, we'll go around on Kingston Pike if it's during rush hour. It's not an easy road to travel." The narrow, two-lane design of Papermill Drive, with no emergency lanes, further complicates the situation, as Wilbanks noted that "a minute can make a difference" in emergency situations.

A Crash-Prone Corridor

The traffic issues on Papermill Drive extend beyond mere inconvenience; the road also experiences a high rate of crashes. According to a 2022 study, the worst stretch of Papermill Drive has a crash rate of 11.022, significantly higher than the average crash rate of 2.334 for similar urban two-lane roads across the state. While the majority of these crashes are non-fatal and do not result in injuries, the frequency of incidents is a cause for concern.Jacob Garner, a coordinator at Arbor College School of Massage located on Papermill Drive, has witnessed the consequences of these crashes firsthand. "It's a given that every couple of months, someone will pull out, usually out of McKay's, and they'll get hit," Garner said. "Having a two-lane road right there is not safe, at all."

Seeking Solutions: The City's Dilemma

The 2022 study commissioned by the City of Knoxville provided recommendations to address the issues on Papermill Drive, including expanding the road on the south side, adding a 10-foot path, and installing a traffic light. However, the estimated cost of this project is at least million, a significant financial hurdle for the city.According to Eric Vreeland, a spokesperson for the City of Knoxville, the high cost of the proposed improvements is the primary obstacle. "The city did not make anyone available for an interview," Vreeland stated, indicating the city's reluctance to discuss the matter further.Wilbanks acknowledged the challenges the city faces, noting the complexities of the project due to the presence of the interstate and a nearby creek. "So yes, we'd love to see Papermill widened; we'd love to see better travel lanes on it. Is it a possible thing for the city and local government to do? It could be very expensive and very hard to do, and I don't think that's an easy process for anybody."

Prioritizing Infrastructure: A Necessary Investment

Despite the financial hurdles, Garner believes the city should prioritize addressing the issues on Papermill Drive. "The current infrastructure we have right now cannot support the growth we have going on," he said. "I know building infrastructure for roads isn't simple, but I also know this isn't safe."Vreeland indicated that Papermill Drive is on the city's upcoming projects list, but the challenge remains in securing the necessary funding and planning the implementation. With the city's limited resources and a long list of ongoing construction projects, the Papermill Drive improvement project faces stiff competition for funding.As Knoxville continues to grow and develop, the need for a comprehensive and well-functioning transportation network becomes increasingly crucial. The challenges faced on Papermill Drive serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure investment, even in the face of significant financial constraints.