A site for the K-25 facility was chosen near the high school of the now-abandoned town of Wheat. As the dimensions of the K-25 facility became more apparent, it was decided to move it to a larger site near Poplar Creek, closer to the power plant. This site was approved on 24 June 1943. Considerable work was required to prepare the site. Existing roads in the area were improved to take heavy traffic. A new road was built to connect the site to US Route 70, and another, long, to connect with Tennessee State Route 61. An old ferry over the Clinch River was upgraded, and then replaced with a bridge in December 1943. A railroad spur was run from Blair, Tennessee, to the K-25 site. Some of sidings were also provided. The first carload of freight traversed the line on 18 September 1943.