The Tennessee Department of Transportation is seeking comment from the public to help plan for the state's transportation needs in the coming decades.

Among the many issues being discussed are new ways to manage truck traffic on Tennessee's interstates.

One idea getting close scrutiny would keep trucks in the right lanes, where possible.

Other suggestions related to trucking have included tolling drivers, new technology to alert drivers of high speeds on more dangerous curves and expanding rail service across the state to carry more freight.

The proposed changes could be incorporated into a long-term transportation plan covering all forms of transportation including airports, bicycle routes, walk paths, highways, bridges, ports and waterways, public transportation and railroads. TDOT officials expect to finalize the 25-year plan by next summer.

Until then, the department will continue to meet with the public to brainstorm.

TDOT and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association encourage all residents in the state to participate in this input phase.

The following public meetings will all be held from 6-8 p.m. local time as listed:

Monday, Nov. 15

Central Station
545 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103

Northeast State Technical Community College
Wayne G. Basler Library
2425 Highway 75
Blountville, TN 37617

Tuesday, Nov. 16

West Tennessee Agricultural Museum
3 Ledbetter Gate Road
Milan, TN 38358

Columbia State Community College
Waymon L. Hickman Building, Room 123
1665 Hampshire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401

Knoxville Convention Center
Room 200 A, B, and C
701 Henley Street
Knoxville, TN 37916

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Tennessee Department of Transportation
Region Four Office
300 Benchmark Place
Jackson, TN 38305

Upper Cumberland Career Center
3300 Williams Enterprise Drive
Cookeville, TN 38506

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University Center
642 East 5th Street (between Maclellan Gym and Holt Hall)
Chattanooga, TN 37403

A brief presentation will begin at 6 p.m. local time. The public will then have time to ask questions and provide comments.

For more information on upcoming public meetings or to voice your opinion, call the Tennessee Department of Transportation toll free at 1-866-389-8443; send e-mail to plango@state.tn.us; or write to Long Range Transportation Plan, Tennessee Department of Transportation, James K. Polk Building, Suite 700, Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37242.