In mid-April, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Transportation informed Plainview City officials that a four way stop is planned for the intersection of SR 131Tazewell Pike, SR 144 Ailor Gap, and Corryton Road.

TDOT will begin to install stop signs, warning signs, and red reflective strips on posts over the next six to eight weeks. Road surfaces will also have stop bars and warning strips to alert drivers of the change at the intersection.

TDOT and the Plainview officials ask that drivers use caution as the intersection changes and have patience as citizens and visitors navigate the intersection. The left turn for Ailor Gap from Tazewell Pike will remain so drivers need to be alert, take turns, and be kind.

Plainview City has requested multiple traffic studies over the last 25 years. According to TDOT, the volume of traffic did not warrant a traffic signal. However, the number of crashes dictated a change in the traffic flow for safety. Numerous crashes with some causing serious injury or fatalities have occurred both recently and in the past decade.

One issue is that drivers headed south on Tazewell Pike use the right turn signal, but go past Ailor Gap and turn into the BP Station. Drivers at Ailor Gap pull into the intersection when they see the right turn signal, but do not realize the driver intends to pass through the intersection to go to the BP. TDOT and Plainview City believe that the four way stop will help alleviate these crashes.

Mayor Lynn Beeler credited Representative Dennis Powers for helping Plainview get theses improvements at no cost to the citizens of Plainview.