NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, and State Sen. Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, announce that construction of the final phase of a State Route 33 widening project in Union County is scheduled to begin in April.

The 5.2-mile project will widen a portion of the highway from two lanes to five lanes from the Knox County line to south of State Route 144 in Union County, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

“I’m proud to see construction finally begin on this important infrastructure project for Union County,” Powers said. “Not only will these improvements make S.R. 33 safer and more convenient for drivers, but they will also help boost economic development in the area.”

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $59.6 million, according to TDOT. Construction is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2025.

The project is the last section of S.R. 33 to be widened between Halls in Knox County to Maynardville in Union County. The improvements are expected to increase safety and capacity along the roadway as well as help attract new development along the corridor.

“I’m extremely pleased we’re embarking on the final stretch of this much-needed project that will greatly benefit Union, Clairborne and Hancock counties,” Niceley said. “This work will go a long way to alleviating traffic congestion and strengthening the region’s economy.”

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. ET. The program will be held at 415 Highway 33 in Maynardville.

More information about the S.R. 33 widening project can be found on TDOT’s website https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/state-route-33.html

Contact: Josh Cross, 615-741-4550
josh.cross@capitol.tn.gov