Knoxville residents express safety concerns over Schaad Road intersection

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Part of the Schaad Road Extension Project recently opened to the public, but as this years-long project is making strides to completion, residents are saying it's unsafe to drive.

"No one knows what to do. Like, I will sit there for like five or 10 minutes sometimes, just like I don't, I don't know who's supposed to go," said Knox County resident, Mary Lowe.

As someone who lives adjacent to the Schaad and Andes Road intersection, Lowe said driving home is now a daily struggle for her after it reopened.

"I guess about two days ago when I was on the road, I saw a wreck happen, and I also saw a school bus almost get hit, and that was very concerning," she said. "I figured that would happen when the road was put in because of how many people were concerned about it and had expressed concern prior."

Lowe, like many of her neighbors, says the area is dangerous, confusing and congested. However, Knox County's Engineering and Public Works said it could just be growing pains.

"Andes Road intersection, it's a little bit more like a regular divided highway section that you would see on Middlebrook Pike or Rutledge Pike," said Engineering and Public Works Operations Director, Cathy Olsen. "At the moment, we don't think that it's a dangerous intersection. We think with all of the signage and all of the pavement markings, that it operates very similar to other four lane, highway intersections."

Despite similar roads existing throughout Knox County, residents say there needs to be a change.

"A light is definitely needed," said Lowe. "I just came through there, and everybody was very hesitant about moving. No one knew which turn to take or who was going to come next. So it's a very – It's a very, scary time on that road right now."

Knox County Engineering said they have added more traffic signs, and warnings, and have sent crews out mowing to improve lines of sight. They also expect to add temporary pavement markings as well.

However, their research has suggested a traffic light is needed in that area, and there may be one coming.

"You never want to just rely on projected traffic volumes," said Olsen. "You want to really wait until you can see what the traffic is doing and make sure your assumptions are correct because when you put in a signal too early, you can actually get problems. It's not just a one-size-fits-all all thing."

Olsen said if they do end up adding a light, Knox County residents should not expect one until around December.