Results of a preliminary engineering study regarding a proposed Robinson Road solution were presented during a special Oak Ridge North City Council meeting Jan. 30, during which residents voiced concerns to council members about potential right of way acquisitions and drainage concerns.

The results of the recommended solution, which includes widening Robinson Road from Patsy Lane to Oak Ridge Park Drive, realigning Robinson at Hanna roads and including a traffic signal at Hanna Road and Oak Ridge Park Drive, were discussed at the Jan. 30 meeting. However, council members agreed more future discussions were needed before making any decisions.

City Manager Vicky Rudy said the last preliminary construction costs the city was given for the option was $5.2 million and does not include engineering or right of way acquisition costs.

“Our primary funding mechanism remains the tax increment reinvestment zone,” Rudy said. “It will not have bonding capacity in the near future. We do want to be prepared to take advantage of any options that present themselves over the next year or two.”

The TIRZ is a taxing zone created by the council to attract new investment in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Donald Durgin with engineering firm RPS Klotz Associates said the preliminary engineering study adds left- turn lanes at signalized intersections but keeps the roadway at four lanes throughout the rest of the project.

Cleo Tarver, a resident of Oak Ridge North and chairman of the city’s planning and zoning committee, said council members should try their best to stay clear of homes in the area.

“One thing I’ve heard from the planning and zoning committee is that folks have very legitimate concerns,” Tarver said. “If possible, the city should move the road as far north and give folks less encroachment into their yards.”

Drainage issues were also discussed at the meeting. Durgin said the engineering study did not include drainage calculations, but engineers are confident the existing storm sewer system can stay in place.

Joe Sherwin, director of public works and engineering for the city, said while there may have to be a utility easement for the project, utilities can also be put under the proposed pavement.

Resident Doyle Bills attended the meeting Jan. 30 and told City Council members that the idea of utilities, such as water and sewage, being underneath the pavement might still not a good plan.

“That might be a good engineering feat,” Bills said. “But maybe it’s not a good one to make, especially with the water. There’s a lot of unknown here that has crossed my mind. I think we’re a long way from where we stand.”