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County planners voice concern of dangers on 19E

By Robert Sorrell

A section of four-lane highway in the Valley Forge community has driven concerns to the Carter County Planning Commission regarding safety.

Steve Chambers said he has received several calls from constituents in his district regarding U.S. Highway 19E through Valley Forge.

“We’ve had several accidents on that four lane,” the commissioner said.

Following last Thursday’s crash which killed two children on 19E near Stateline Road, Chambers said he has heard additional concerns.

The commissioner said several businesses have been built and opened in recent years between Elizabethton and Hampton, creating more traffic on the stretch of roadway. He also said Valley Forge Elementary School and several large churches add to the traffic problems.

Chambers said he recommends red lights on 19E in order to slow drivers. “People are flying through there,” he said.