Project Overview
ODOT proposes to make safety improvements to SH-82 from the SH-100/SH-82 Junction in Blackgum, extending east and north approximately 3 miles, located in Sequoyah and Cherokee Counties. The existing highway is a two-lane, open section facility with 11-foot wide driving lanes and no shoulders. The bridge over Snake Creek is a 22-foot wide span bridge. Current traffic volumes are estimated at 1,600 vehicles per day (vpd) and are projected to increase to 2,250 vpd by 2040. This section of SH-82 has sharp curves, insufficient sight distances, steep side slopes, no shoulders, and a narrow bridge.
In an effort to increase safety, ODOT proposes to improve this segment of SH-82. Starting at McQuick’s Grocery, and extending east to where the highway curves north, the roadway will be widened to create a curb and gutter section with two 12-foot wide driving lanes with 6-foot wide shoulders on existing alignment. At the point where SH-82 curves north, the highway will transition to an open section roadway (i.e., no curbs) with two 12-foot wide driving lanes and 8-foot wide paved shoulders on an east offset alignment. Side streets, county roads and drives will be reconfigured to create perpendicular intersections. The bridge over Snake Creek will be replaced on east offset alignment with a 40-foot wide span bridge. The highway will remain open during construction, and access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. The purpose of the proposed improvements is to correct highway deficiencies, enhance safety, and efficiently accommodate traffic.
