The next phase of work on the River’s Edge 800-foot-long public riverwalk on the South Waterfront will require closure of a section of the westbound lane of Island Home Avenue, starting next week. Equipment is being set up today (Friday, May 27).

Through June, motorists will share the open eastbound lane, alternating between eastbound and westbound commuters, with portable traffic signals in place to safely direct traffic. (The portable signals directing one-way traffic will be similar to a system that was put in place on Loves Creek Road in East Knoxville during a recent bridge replacement project.)

The Island Home Avenue lane closure will allow Empire Construction crews to place additional footers and continue constructing a retaining wall for the public riverwalk. Once completed, the landscaped riverwalk will include walking and bicycle paths, benches and trash receptacles.

The newest public riverwalk on the South Waterfront is nearing completion and will open this summer. The riverwalk and building of a new public road, Splendid View Circle, accompany the construction of the River’s Edge 134-unit apartment complex, a $14 million private investment on the South Waterfront. The public infrastructure represents a $2.5 million investment.