The City of Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Department announced today that work will begin on the addition of a right-turn lane on Topside Road at its southbound approach to Marriott Drive just north of the Topside Road / Pellissippi Parkway interchange. Work will begin on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. The improvements are necessary to accommodate the increased traffic in the area due to developments such as the Marriott Business Services Center. APAC-Atlantic / Harrison Construction Co. will be the contractor handling the construction. The improvements are a joint project between the Industrial Development Board of Blount County and the City of Alcoa.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling in this area over the next several weeks.