Page 16 - Nov-Dec2022 Vol 40 No 5

2022 CONFERENCE TECHNICAL SESSION By Houston Daugherty, PE
Going for the Green: Sevier County

Tourist Corridor ITS Project

“Once upon a time a long, long time Exit 407, to the entrance of the spur to Other positive outcomes include
ago,” seems to be the appropriate opening the Great Smoky Mountains National decreased vehicle stops, fewer
for the story of pursuing, winning, Park. The “spur” is the section of river- pollutant emissions and lessened fuel
designing, constructing, and finally divided roadway leaving Pigeon Forge consumption. The three-year benefit-cost
switching on the Traffic Responsive Plan traveling to and from Gatlinburg. The 16- ratio of 1.6:1 indicates that much higher
Selection (TRPS) signal system along the mile Tourist Corridor is considered one values are being realized. An annual
heavily traveled Sevier County Tourist of the most heavily traveled in Tennessee, average savings of at least $2 million is
Corridor. with 41 signalized intersections, anticipated with an overall three-year
Beginning in the “way back time” commonly known as “red lights.” (By the benefit of approximately $6 million.
of 2014, a couple of cities you may way, the term “red lights” makes traffic Shared progress goals, adaption of
have heard of - Sevierville and Pigeon engineers pull out their hair.) available technology and collaboration
Forge – joined in a collaborative effort Collaboration remained strong during between the City of Sevierville and the
to secure funding to develop and the course of the project, with both City of Pigeon Forge proved to be keys
implement a sophisticated traffic signal cities applying for and being awarded to the project’s success. “And all lived
management system. The shared goals of additional funding for two other major happily ever after, The End”…not so
decreasing delays, reducing congestion corridors – Dolly (everyone loves fast. Embracing the cliché, this is just the
and emissions, and improving air quality Dolly) Parton Parkway and Veterans beginning.
along the gateway cities and in the Great Boulevard. Currently, the project consists
Smoky Mountains National Park served of 68 signalized intersections. Long-Term Success Requires
as a basis for a winning grant application. Vigilance
Funding by the Tennessee Department Signalized Intersections Save Time Both cities’ commitment to
of Transportation (TDOT) via the and Money maintenance and management will be
Federal Highway Administration’s The project’s goal was to turn red to needed to ensure future improvements,
(FHWA) Congestion Mitigation and green (or at least do so more often, for adjustments, and long-term success. A
Air Quality (CMAQ) program made the longer periods and at the appropriate potential next step is Adaptive Signal
project a reality. time.) Updated TRPS signal timing Control Technology (ASCT), given that
implementation has proven successful, visitors’ traffic patterns are constantly
The Sevier County Tourist Corridor resulting in improvements on several changing in the heavily-traveled tourist
The Tourist Corridor runs through levels. The savings in motorist delays, areas throughout Sevier County and the
the heart of both Sevierville and Pigeon alone, highlight the magnitude of Great Smoky Mountains. Stay tuned.
Forge, extending from Interstate 40, at improvement.

16 TPW November/December 2022