Virtue Road project enters land acquisition phase
Land acquisition negotiations are expected to begin soon for Phase II of the Virtue Road Multi-modal Improvement Project.
During its Thursday, May 14, meeting, Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a contract with Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson Inc. for appraisal and negotiation services related to right-of-way acquisition for the project.
Town engineer Darryl Smith said the project includes reconstruction of Virtue Road from 1,200 feet south of Needlegrass Lane to Willow Cove Way on Boyd Station Road.
“The Town’s design consultant has completed right-of-way plans for the project, and we have been given notice to proceed with the right-of-way acquisition phase,” Smith said.
He added the project is funded through federal Surface Transportation Block Grants with an 80/20 federal-local funding split and must comply with requirements from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Local Programs Development Office.
“We completed the process of issuing a request for qualifications and selected JMT Inc. as our preferred consultant based upon their qualifications,” Smith said. “The contract is for negotiations, with appraisals to be subcontracted. The total fee for services will be $249,600, including reimbursable expenses.”
Alderman Drew Burnette asked whether affected residents had been contacted.
“They have not [been contacted by the Town], but they will be before [JMT] talks to them,” Smith answered.
Alderman Joe LaCroix said the Town previously spoke with affected property owners while the project was in the design phase.
“Once again, we’re going to reach out to them before [JMT],” he added.
Smith said the Town previously sent notices before a public hearing on the project.
“We had a terrific public hearing on this project,” he said. “Quite a few people showed up for it.”
Smith said JMT is expected to begin work following approval of the contract and must complete the work by May 31, 2028.
“The schedule for the various meetings and presentations as outlined in the basic services shall be agreed upon by the client and contractor before beginning work,” he said.
In a proposal submitted to the Town, JMT stated it would serve as Farragut’s agent throughout the right-of-way acquisition process, from initial contact through final transmittal for each parcel.
“We will comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, the TDOT Right of Way Manual and the TDOT Local Government Guidelines for the Management of Federal- and State-Funded Transportation Projects,” JMT senior real properties specialist Emily Hooper stated.
