'Trucks Clogging Roadway Create Nightmare for Neighbors in Anderson County," Say Residents

ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) — There’s significant construction underway on I-75 near Anderson County, which is bringing attention to problems affecting nearby roadways.

Large trucks have been appearing more often on State Route 116, which is an extremely narrow and twisty route.

Many individuals noted that having tractor-trailers attempt to navigate the narrow roads is an everyday occurrence, which has become even more problematic as these vehicles increasingly use this route to bypass construction, leading to significant congestion.

"It's a frequently used route, yet it's extremely twisty and narrow, and those trucks really shouldn’t be on this road whatsoever," stated Daphne Windham, who operates near Highway 116.

People who live, work and often drive the road are used to the area, but they said there is no place for big 18-wheelers on the highway.

However, County Commissioner Tim Isbel said it’s been a problem for decades.

“Thirty years it’s been an ongoing issue and it has just gotten worse with a new GPS and new drivers since COVID,” Isbel said.

Neighbors in the area said they have all had similar experiences when meeting the big trucks.

"I encountered a Swift truck on a treacherous bend near Bryceville. As I approached, he was exiting from his path towards mine, forcing me to veer off the road to prevent a collision since he had encroached into my lane. That sharp turn offers no room for maneuver," explained Windham.

The commissioners mentioned they collaborated with highway authorities, yet large trucks continue to slip through undetected, leading to issues for motorists. Ultimately, their priority remains safeguarding all those who use Highway 116.