Safer Sidewalks and Bike Lanes Coming to Knoxville’s Chapman Highway
Knoxville is set to receive a significant upgrade to its roads with the addition of safer sidewalks and bike lanes along a busy stretch of Chapman Highway. Thanks to a recent federal infrastructure program, the city is receiving a hefty $17.8 million boost to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This initiative is part of a broader effort known as the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which has awarded funds to 354 cities across the country to improve road conditions and prevent serious injuries and fatalities.
The planned improvements will stretch from Blount Avenue to Woodlawn Pike, making it easier and safer for residents to walk and bike in the area. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the project aims to slow down traffic, encourage drivers to yield to walkers and cyclists, and enhance the overall pedestrian experience. The updates will include the addition of a sidewalk along the west side of Chapman Highway along with improved pedestrian signals, lane redistributions, medians, and new bike lanes that will be separated from car traffic.
Funding Details and Local Contribution
This $17.8 million federal award is not the only financial aspect of this project; Knoxville will also contribute <$b>4.45 million, bringing the total project cost to $22.25 million. This investment comes at a crucial time, as Knox County has seen a worrying rise in motor vehicle-related deaths. Statistics from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center indicate that such deaths increased by 35% from the previous year. Notably, a pedestrian lost their life in a hit-and-run incident on Chapman Highway this past April, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures in the area.
Timeline for Improvements
While the federal funding is now secured, construction on the Chapman Highway improvements won’t commence until 2028. According to a spokesperson for Mayor Indya Kincannon, the anticipated completion date is projected for the end of 2029 or the beginning of 2030. The timeline may seem far away, but city officials are optimistic about the long-term benefits these improvements will bring.
Part of a Larger Vision Zero Plan
The Chapman Highway upgrades are part of Kincannon’s Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at ensuring safer streets across Knoxville. The plan’s steps include supporting the Knoxville Vision Zero Steering Committee, conducting demonstration projects to engage the public, and monitoring success towards the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries.
Other Local Funding Opportunities
Knoxville isn’t the only area benefitting from this round of funding. The Knoxville Community Development Corporation also received a grant worth $1.7 million for its Transforming Western initiative. This initiative focuses on improving transportation options for residents in affordable housing communities. KCDC CEO Ben Bentley stated that almost half of the residents in Western Heights do not own cars, making safe walking paths essential for children to get to and from school.
The funds will help implement several initiatives, including incentivizing parents to lead bike trains and expanding the existing walking school bus program. Additionally, the grant will support the testing of signalized crosswalks near schools and enhancing intersections known for high accident rates.
Looking Ahead
As Knoxville gears up for these significant improvements, many residents are hopeful. The federal investment in roadway safety underscores the city’s commitment to making roads safer for everyone, particularly vulnerable users like pedestrians and cyclists. The enhancements coming to Chapman Highway are expected to inspire further initiatives to improve the overall safety and accessibility of Knoxville’s roadways.
