Council approves Weigel’s store in two 6-0 votes

With almost no discussion, the Oak Ridge City Council on Monday voted 6-0 to approve a rezoning and two driveways off South Illinois Avenue for a new Weigel’s gas station and convenience store.

In previous meetings, city officials had been concerned about potential traffic problems at the new 16-pump gas station, particularly with more vehicles turning left to get on and off busy, seven-lane South Illinois Avenue.

But a traffic study completed by Knoxville engineering firm Cannon and Cannon in September appears to have alleviated those concerns. Prepared for Weigel’s, that study said the new store would have a minimal impact on traffic.

“Much to my surprise, this is a good idea,” Oak Ridge City Council member Ellen Smith said before Monday night’s vote.

The driveways at the 1.5-acre Weigel’s site would include one full-use access to the new store and one entrance that would only allow right turns in and right turns out.

The proposed entrances had already been approved by the Oak Ridge Traffic Safety Advisory Board. They still have to be approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation since Illinois Avenue, or State Route 62, is a state road.