There is as yet no decision about whether to build the PPE. The EIS process is continuing (as outlined in the newsletter mentioned by bizgirl) and by federal regulation NO WORK related to the PPE can occur until the EIS is completed, a recommendation is made, there are public hearings, and a decision is made by the Federal Highway Department.

Alternative D is new, and we hope this is in response to the many residents who urged TDOT to 'improve existing roads first' before building a new 4-lane highway that would deliver more traffic onto dangerous two-lane shoulderless roads like Sevierville Road. TDOT is required to consider 'all reasonable alternatives' and Alternative D is one.

We still maintain TDOT has not demonstrated a need for the PPE.
CAPPE advocates for responsible transportation planning based on data.

If you go to (link...)
you can read more details about Alternative D.

CAPPE continues to be concerned about the impact of any new road or 'improvements' to existing roads on the people and location where such roads and improvements are proposed. TDOT's description of Alternative D includes using existing roadway as well as 'new location' -- which means a new road. We urge residents to contact TDOT and express your preference that existing roadways be improved and that new roads not be built.

TDOT's presentations and traffic data show that people are using Hitch, Peppermint, Helton and Sam Houston (as well as Wildwood and East Broadway) to get to SR 33 and the PP. Sam Houston is already an 'excellent' road by most standards (width, shoulders, grading, sight lines, etc.). TDOT's proposal has insufficient detail for us to know what they are thinking, but we would not expect any changes would be made to Sam Houston - except for the alignment with Peppermint (and even this is speculation). Peppermint and Hitch are dangerous due to being narrow, without shoulders and poor sight lines. Making these roads safer will probably not add traffic to Sam Houston Schoolhouse Rd. because people are already using these roads to get to SR 33 and the PP. However, the school has already added traffic to Sam Houston, and the extensive residential, retail and commercial development planned for the Pellissippi Place will also add traffic-whether secondary roads are improved or not.

The earth-moving equipment at the Jackson Farm is indeed related to beginning site preparation for Pellissippi Place. There was a long story about the groundbreaking in the Daily Times yesterday:
(link...)

Also the City of Alcoa is working on a plan to realign and signalize Alcoa Trail, the entrance to Jackson Hills, the entrance to Peillissippi Place and the on and off ramps of the PP.