"Some rumors about the Dragon's future.
The first involves a proposed Interstate that will follow US129 from Robbinsville to Knoxville. This is virtually impossible because of various endanged species that exist in the area and the fact that US129 ROW borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, a hands off area for any such projects. Another new rumor has the road being shut-down to all but foot and bicycle use.
A new motorsports park in southern Tennessee is in the planning stages."
It is FAR more likely to be considered for the 441/23 corridor, which:
1. already is a multilane highway and has some of the infrastructure to support an Interstate highway
2. already is a multilane highway & an interstate will have minimal additional impact on the surrounding environmental conditions as compared to smaller mountain roads such as the Dragon
3. will not be located on or parallel an existing scenic highway
4. will have a much lower development/construction cost as the right of way is already wide & less additional right of way will need to be aquired
etc, etc.
