UT’s Center for Transportation Research will evaluate possible problems and controversies for 15 Tennessee Department of Transportation road projects.

“We’re going to take an in-depth look at each of these projects but focus in on those issues which are controversial, still at question or still raise debate,” Steve Richards, center director, said in a press release. “We’re not going to go back and revisit every issue in each project that is simply impossible, but it is my understanding that the people or groups or local officials who raised the questions are being asked to try to get a better definition of what the concerns are.”

The anticipated date for completion of the evaluation is June. Richards said UT’s role would only be advisory in nature. “We won’t necessarily be saying yea or nay on any particular project,” Richards said, “but we will present findings and recommendations concerning additional work, additional public input and private input, and ask ‘Do they need to back up and take another look at things?'”

The projects under review are valued at more than $2 million in roadwork. A variety of issues will be considered on each project including controversy, environmental concern and public involvement.

“We’re going to take those concerns and then delve deeply into the issues involved and basically look at the process,” Richards said, “see if the proper steps were taken along the planning and development process, the public hearing process, and if the decisions that were made were consistent with the process and the outcome of the process.”

A five-person task force consisting of various UT departments will head the review. Richards said the process would include public advice.

“A lot of (the projects) involve environmental concerns; a lot of them involved the route selection,” Richards said. “There are issues about the process itself: ‘Was there adequate opportunity for public input in the planning and development process?’ There’s a wide range of issues.”