SH-82 in Sequoyah County

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if ODOT plans to acquire my property?

The Project Plan View map shows the areas where new permanent and temporary right-of-way (R/W) is proposed and they are shown on the Interactive Map.  If your property will be affected, an ODOT- authorized agent will contact you in the future.  Click on the following link for additional information about ODOT's policy regarding property rights.

ODOT Property Rights Brochure

Top

What is the process if ODOT needs some of my property? What if ODOT needs to buy my house or business?

Property relocations, including houses and businesses, are anticipated for this segment of SH-82.  Owners of affected homes or business will be provided with additional relocation assistance.  Click on the following link for additional information about ODOT's policies regarding property rights and relocation assistance.

ODOT Property Rights Brochure

ODOT Relocation Brochure

Top

What if ODOT needs temporary access for construction or a maintenance easement?

Sometimes ODOT will need temporary access or an easement to maintain drainage structures.  Owners will be compensated for temporary right-of-way and for maintenance easements.  In these cases, you will maintain ownership of the property.  If your property will be affected, an ODOT-authorized agent will contact you.

Top

When will ODOT start buying property?

While authorization to start the process is anticipated in 2021, it may be summer of 2021 before agents begin contacting property owners.

Top

When is construction scheduled to begin?

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.

Top

Will my commute be impacted by construction?

ODOT tries to minimize peak travel times as much as possible.  The intent of the construction sequencing will be to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on SH-82 and one lane of traffic in each direction on local roads during construction.  Temporary lane closures may be necessary at different times during the project and will be planned to occur at non-peak travel times or at night if possible.  Traffic will crossover between old and new alignment sections during construction.  During some phases, traffic may be reduced to one lane and controlled with a traffic signal.

Top

How will the project be built?

SH-82 will remain open during construction and phased construction will be utilized to maintain traffic.  Two lanes of traffic will be carried throughout construction. 

Top

Will any of the intersections have new signals?

No signal lights are currently planned.  ODOT can conduct a warrant traffic study in the future at these intersections, as needed to determine if a traffic signal is warranted.  This would occur as a separate project. 

Top

Will drainage improvements at existing ditch and stream crossings be part of the project?

Yes, the proposed project includes drainage improvements within the existing and proposed right-of-way to facilitate the highway widening.  The proposed drainage improvements will be designed to convey stormwater and stream flows at existing and new culverts and bridges.

Top

The existing and future traffic numbers should be higher?

Traffic counts are taken every two years on state highways.  The existing traffic numbers reflect the current condition.  The future traffic numbers are projected based on a multiplier based upon area.  

Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is a measure used primarily in transportation engineering. Traditionally, it is the total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road for a year divided by 365 days. Therefore, there are days when there is more traffic, but this is an average.  AADT is a simple, but useful, measurement of how busy the road is.

Top

Will the road be asphalt or concrete?

The type of roadway based on the pavement design will be asphalt.  Pavement design is based on the subgrade, traffic (including truck traffic) and design life.

Top

Why aren't noise walls included in the project?

A Traffic Noise Study was completed according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ODOT policies and procedures using FHWA Traffic Noise Model version 2.5.  Results of the analysis indicated that no receivers will experience a substantial increase in future noise levels over existing levels.  No noise impacts will occur, so no mitigation measures are required. Additional details about the noise study can be found here in the presentation.

Top

Will there be access to my home and property during the project?

Yes, access to homes, businesses, and properties adjacent to the project will be maintained during all phases of construction with temporary drives until permanent access can be restored.

Top

What happens to my driveway?

Existing driveways will be paved with new asphalt up to the proposed right-of-way line, and approximately perpendicular the SH-82 roadway.  Drainage culverts will be replaced under the driveway as needed.   

Top

What will happen to my existing fence?

If right-of-way is required on your property and you have an existing fence, the fence will be replaced, or you will be given reimbursement to replace the fence as the property owner.

Top