Mayor Madeline Rogero announced today that work will begin this month on five major new sidewalk construction projects across Knoxville, with a combined estimated cost of $3.765 million.

The work comes with the start of the 2017-18 Fiscal Year on July 1. In this year’s budget, Mayor Rogero proposed and City Council approved a quadrupling of the City’s annual budget for new sidewalk construction, to a total of nearly $3 million. (The remainder of the new project costs will be covered by previously budgeted sidewalk funding.)

Mayor Rogero has also announced plans for a comprehensive study of Knoxville’s new sidewalk network and needs. A Request for Proposals for a consultant for that study will be issued later this year. In the meantime, the City will move forward with five new projects that have long been identified as high priorities.

“Sidewalks are a crucial part of our transportation and civic infrastructure,” Mayor Rogero said. “They connect neighborhoods to commercial areas and to transit options, and they promote public safety and health. While we await a full study of our sidewalk system, these five projects are a great start to a more robust sidewalk construction program.”

The projects were chosen from the City Engineering Department’s existing list of new sidewalk priorities, based on level of need and financial feasibility given the available funds.

They are:

• Gleason Drive, between Downtown West Boulevard and Bearden High School (1,800 linear feet). Estimated cost: $630,000.
• Palmetto Road, between Western Avenue and Landon Drive (1,150 linear feet). Estimated cost: $402,500.
• Buffat Mill Road, between Whittle Springs Road and Bridalwood Drive (2,550 linear feet). Estimated cost: $892,500.
• Atlantic Avenue, between Pershing Street and North Broadway (3,000 linear feet). Estimated cost: $1,050,000.
• Wilson Avenue, between South Chestnut Street and South Harrison Street (1,400 linear feet). Estimated cost: $790,000.

City Engineering will begin design work on the five new projects this month. Click here to view updates on the Engineering Department’s online project page.