Knoxville’s mayor pro tem says the city plans to annex Love’s Travel Stop after the chain finalizes its purchase of land owned by Knox County.
Acting Mayor Dennis Maurer told the Knoxville City Council last night that Love’s plans to purchase land in the county by January to build a truck stop, at least two restaurants and eventually a hotel.
So far, Subway and Chester’s Chicken restaurants have been confirmed for the location. A Godfather’s Pizza franchise is also being considered.
Construction on Love’s is planned for April or May.
Following the meeting, Maurer told WGIL Love’s also has plans for the city’s infrastructure.
“Because of fire regulations and the possibility of a hotel going up out there later, it’s just going to mean there’s more water needed than we could currently provide with the existing line,” Maurer said. “So what they’re talking about is expanding the line from an 8-inch to a 12-inch line and that should give them all the water that they need then.”
City Engineer Kevan Cooper said the truck stop plans to front the estimated $250,000 bill for a new water line, something that would benefit both Love’s and the city.
Cooper further said Knoxville, Knox County and IDOT are considering installing traffic lights at the intersection of Counties 10 and 9 to account for added traffic.
