Planning commission approves five fiber right‑of‑way permits, subject to engineering permits

Farragut planners approved five separate right‑of‑way permits Sept. 17 for fiber network improvements, authorizing TDS to install underground fiber on Neptune Drive and extend overhead fiber into North Campbell Station Road, Comcast to extend overhead fiber along North Watt Road to Kingston Pike, and AT&T to perform directional borings in two phases. Staff repeatedly noted that approvals are conditioned on obtaining standard right‑of‑way permits, the contractors' performance bonds and coordination with town engineering to avoid park impacts and to require directional boring (no trenching) through sensitive areas.

A staff speaker summarized the approvals and recommended motions: "The staff is recommending approval of this fiber installation project subject to obtaining a right of way permit from the town's engineering department," which commissioners approved by voice vote for each item. Commissioners asked that contractors coordinate traffic control, erosion control, and park protections; the motions included that requirement as a condition of approval.