HOA Highway Safety Committee – What is it and What Does it Do?
The HSC is a chartered committee of the HOA with the following objectives:
- Maintain good relationships with governmental transportation entities impacting Tellico Village, namely the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Loudon County Highway Department, Monroe County Highway Department, local city, county, and state officials.
- Communicate committee and project activities to HOA/POA leadership and to Tellico Village homeowners as appropriate.
- Solicit comments from Tellico Village homeowners and groups in developing proposals for future projects.
- Monitor current highway projects in the area and provide project status updates and notifications of delays to HOA and POA members.
HOA Highway Safety Committee – What Does It Mean to Me?
- The Village is well-represented in discussions of current/planned highway projects in the area.
- Residents are aware of current and potential highway projects that may impact their road safety and efficient travel via HSC communications using media such as Tell-E-Grams, HOA general announcements, Connection newspaper, and Nextdoor.
- HSC monitors efficient road, shoulder, guard rail and berm repairs to address safety issues for Tellico Village.
HOA Highway Safety Committee – History
In 2015, the then HOA President Bill Taylor created a subcommittee of the HOA to engage with TDOT on aesthetic improvements to Highway 444. Shortly thereafter, the newly formed HOA-HSC committee learned that TDOT was planning to resurface Hwy 444 in 2017. Working diligently with various departments within TDOT for the next two years, the HOA-HSC negotiated numerous enhancements to the original plan. Some of these enhancements included: creating six turn/acceleration lanes, replacing much of the old guard rail with brown National Park guard rail, updating signage along the parkway, and application of a highly visible paint for roadway striping. An additional enhancement at that time was to add a merge lane from Hwy 321 to Hwy 444 toward Tellico Village.
In 2021, the HOA-HSC initiated discussions with TVA regarding mowing the north end of Hwy 444 as well as parking overflow issues at the Hall Bend dog walking area. Subsequently, TVA agreed to mow the area north of the north entrance fountain and to increase parking at the Hall Bend dog walking area (which was completed May 2023).
During 2022, TVA reviewed overnight parking restrictions at the TVA yard north of the north entrance fountain, resulting in new signage by TVA, and parking enforcement by TVA police if needed.
Responding to homeowner safety concerns regarding visibility, signage, and traffic flow at the Vonore Rd/Watkins Rd/Chogi Way intersection, HSC worked closely with the Loudon County Roads department resulting in several intersection improvements over the last year.
Added Spring 2023 by the Loudon County Highway department at the request of the HSC were additional “No Jake Brakes Allowed” signs on Loudon County roads approaching 444 which will reduce noise to neighborhoods.
The HSC continues to work closely with TDOT, Loudon County Highway Dept, Monroe County Highway Department, and coordinates efforts with the Tellico Village POA, TRDA, TVA, TN State Representative Lowell Russell and other local government officials as required.
HSC Current Projects
Monroe County:
- Niles Ferry/Highway 411. Over the last number of years, the HOA HSC has been actively involved in discussions with TDOT, the city of Vonore, and representative Lowell Russell regarding a possible traffic light at the intersection of Highway 411 and Niles ferry Road in Monroe County. Recently (2023), the project has been approved /funded and in the planning stages. An estimated time to completion would be 2-1/2 years which would put completion likely in 2026.
Loudon County:
- 444/Sequoyah/Maple Hill Rd.: Traffic review conducted by TDOT (2023) indicated the intersection did not meet warrant for a traffic light – but did meet sufficient numbers to warrant a traffic circle. TDOT has added the traffic circle to their list of Projects pending approval and funding.
- Mialaquo/Cheeyo: Intersection reviewed by TDOT (2022) indicated the intersection did not meet warrant (requirements) for a Traffic Light. However, it does meet criteria for a Traffic Circle (Roundabout). TDOT has reported this project has been approved and funded. The project is now in the early planning stage.
- SR-72: TDOT performed a crash review and traffic study (2023) at SR-72 and SR-444. The intersection warrants a traffic signal and has been placed on the list of Projects pending approval and funding.
- Tanasi Rebuild Consideration: –potential deceleration and acceleration lane to be designed and added..
HSC – What can you do to help?
- Safety Issues: If you are aware of an immediate safety issue, please contact 911.
- Comments/Suggestions: If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our roads, please email hsctv.org@gmail.com or contact any one of our committee members.
- Volunteer: If you would like to volunteer your time to help this committee, please email hsctv.org@gmail.com
HSC – Current Committee Members
- Rick Carlin – Co-Chair
- Ken Litke – Co-Chair
- Deb Marshall – represents Tellico Village – Kahite
- Scott Reich – represents Tellico Village – main Village