Welcome Sign

Money raised from the 2009 Spring Fling yard sale has been set aside for production of a Welcome to Wears Valley sign. After a sign design contest was held for members of the community, a design by The Browns’ at Signs and Designs in Wears Valley was selected and the committee created a slogan ( A Hidden Treasure) to accompany the sign. The committee has been looking for a property owner or business willing to post the sign following highway rules imposed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Commissioner Ben Clabo, Officer Kevin Daniels of the Sevier Co. Sheriffs Department, and several others expressed concern that a sign of this type would not be allowed, citing the removal of the Wearwood Elementary School sign as an example. In an article written in August of 2009 the VOICE wrote that: “TDOT has specific regulations regarding signs located along scenic highways and byways” according to Travis Brickey, who is the Community Relations Officer for this district. Mr. Brickey went on to explain that “Since the proposed signs will be constructed on private property and not state right of way, the biggest concern would be any advertisement or mentions. Advertisement or mentions would not be permitted. The plans and the wording of the signs would have to be approved by TDOT prior to construction.” In addition to the above requirements signs also must be no more than 100 sq. feet and cannot be placed where they could interfere with sight distance or Intersections. Sign plans must also be approved by the regional Traffic engineer and the regional Beatification office before any construction can begin.
“We hand over all sign issues dealing with Scenic roadways to the Highway Beatification Department.”, explained an employee in the office of Mrs. Amanda Snowden, the TDOT traffic engineer for this District.
Any business or property owner along Rt. 321 in the Valley can call a committee representative at 207.7522 for more information.