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From the Norris Bulletin
NORRIS, Tenn. — A newly presented pavement study estimates that completing road projects across Norris could cost approximately $4.6 million, highlighting a growing gap between the city’s paving needs and the money currently available for repairs.
City Manager Bailey Whited presented the pavement condition assessment to the Norris City Council during its August 10 meeting. Whited emphasized that the document is an assessment rather than a finalized paving plan, but said it provides information the city can use to develop a long-term strategy.
According to the report, Norris maintains approximately 15 miles of asphalt roads. The city’s roadway network received an overall Pavement Condition Index score of 65, placing it in the “fair” category. About 60 percent of the roads were rated fair or better, while 49 percent received a score above 70.
The city’s roads were divided into 10 geographic project areas for evaluation. Most were found to include pavement in poor condition. Areas containing Hilltop Lane and Orchard Road, East Norris Road and several adjoining streets, and Reservoir Road were identified as possible priorities because they combined lower pavement scores with higher levels of traffic or connectivity.
The study estimates that repairing only roads rated poor or worse would cost approximately $2.3 million. Addressing all 10 project areas was estimated at approximately $4.6 million.
The cost presents a significant challenge for the city. Norris typically receives between $50,000 and $60,000 annually from state gas-tax revenue for road work.
The city’s most recent paving project covered slightly more than one-quarter mile of East Norris Road between Norris Square and Pine Road. Milling, paving and striping that section cost $174,211 and consumed nearly all of the city’s $175,000 paving fund.
At the current rate of revenue, the city could be forced to wait several years between paving projects of similar size.
The assessment recommends preventive maintenance for roads that remain in satisfactory condition, including Dairy Pond Road and West Norris Road. Roads with poor pavement scores and higher functional importance would be considered for more extensive resurfacing.
City officials are expected to use the findings to develop a multi-year paving plan, identify appropriate treatment methods and explore additional funding sources.
