With 2016 coming to a close, it is always good to take a moment and, as the old cliché goes, “look back on where you have been, for a clue to where you are going.” In light of that, here are milestones and accomplishments from this past year on the Magnolia Avenue Streetscape project that will help set the stage for what to expect in 2017.

January
​•   Public meeting on January 21, 2016 to present preliminary designs for streetscape improvements to the model block section along Magnolia Avenue. Participants and citizens provided comments on the design and general thoughts on the project.

February
•   Public comment period.
•   City staff addressed all comments received from the public meeting. Input from the public meeting and discussions with property owners on site provided additional information during the design phase.

March
•   All comments received posted to the City website (as seen here). 
•   City staff review of 40% preliminary design plans.

April
•   Continue with design review period.
•   The consultant addressed City comments and revised the plans accordingly.

May
•   Utility coordination meeting held on May 3, 2016 with representatives from the Knoxville Utility Board and AT&T present.
•   Consultant and City staff met with TDOT on May 24, 2016 to discuss their review of the 40% preliminary design.

June
•   Preliminary designs updated to address TDOT comments.
•   An updated typical cross-section of the streetscape (as seen here).

July through October
•   Utility coordination continued with AT&T regarding drainage design and how to accommodate existing AT&T utility duct banks.

November
•   City staff review of 70% preliminary design plans.

December
•   Detail design work continues with TDOT to provide comments on the 70% preliminary design.
•   Submittal of final design to the City is anticipated in January or February 2017.

Next Steps in 2017 (Anticipated timeline with dates and months subject to change)
•   January to June - Right-of-way process 
•   Summer 2017 - Invitation to bid 
•   Fall 2017 - Notice to proceed for construction 
•   Spring 2019 - Construction completion