Knoxville’s Gay Street Bridge Closure Sparks Safety Concerns and New Dining Opportunities

Knoxville’s Gay Street Bridge Closed: Inspection Updates and New Dining Options

In Knoxville, the historic Gay Street Bridge has been closed to all traffic for over a month now. This bridge, which has stood for 126 years, was suddenly deemed unsafe after the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) found a distortion in a steel truss during routine inspections. Many locals have expressed surprise that such a sudden change could occur, leaving them feeling uneasy about the safety of crossing the bridge, even on foot.

Inspection Findings and Future Plans

Recently, TDOT completed a detailed inspection of the bridge, concluding that additional studies were necessary before moving forward. Mayor Kincannon shared her disappointment regarding the closure but expressed that the city is working quickly to determine the necessary repairs and costs involved. She mentioned that if it proves safe, they would consider opening the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists while further evaluations are done.

A press release from TDOT emphasized the danger of the truss bridge design, stating, “With this type of truss bridge, there is no redundancy in the structure to pick up the load if an element were to fail.” To address these concerns, the city is hiring an engineering consultant to develop a comprehensive plan for the needed repairs. Residents are hopeful for a speedy and low-cost resolution to this problem so that the bridge can be reopened to people who enjoy walking or biking in the area.

Community Reactions

The community reaction has been mixed. Some residents believe that closing the bridge to all traffic may be overly cautious, arguing that pedestrian traffic likely wouldn’t add significant stress to the structure. Others suggest the bridge could be converted into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, which could enhance safety and contribute positively to downtown Knoxville’s revitalization.

New Dining Arrival: Brickstones Kitchen and Bar

While the city deals with this infrastructural setback, a new dining option has opened in town. The Brickstones Kitchen and Bar launched in April at the Embassy Suites, situated at 507 South Gay Street, in the location formerly occupied by C.J.’s Tacos.

A Unique Dining Experience

This establishment is noteworthy for being operated directly by the hotel, rather than by separate management like many other downtown venues. Although it primarily serves hotel guests, it is also open to the public. Brickstones opens its doors at 5:00 PM daily and stays open until 11:00 PM, allowing for a later dining option compared to most restaurants in the area. This is particularly advantageous as many local eateries close early or are shuttered on certain days.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Brickstones Kitchen and Bar offers some unique dishes that are not often found in downtown Knoxville. In addition to standard fare like burgers, pizza, and salads, they feature options like Street Corn Elote Fritters, with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, lime, and chipotle aioli. For those looking for something heartier, the Stir Fry Beef Bulgogi Bowl showcases coconut jasmine rice topped with stir-fried marinated beef, shiitake mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, edamame, and a miso soy broth. And for dessert, the Warm Cinnamon Churros A La Mode drizzled with Mexican spiced chocolate offers a delightful way to end a meal.

Brickstones Kitchen and Bar adds variety to the downtown dining scene and provides guests with a stunning view of the beautiful Embassy Suites lobby, known for being a cozy spot to unwind.

Conclusion

As Knoxville navigates the challenges of a closed bridge, residents can take solace in new dining experiences like Brickstones Kitchen and Bar. The hope is that the bridge can soon reopen, allowing for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while revitalizing the community in the process.