Thursday, December 31, 2015

December 31st Update and Happy New Year!

TWO-BLOCK SECTION OF CUMBERLAND AVENUE TO REOPEN FOUR DAYS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

                By 5 p.m. today, a temporarily closed two-block section of Cumberland Avenue between 17th and 19th streets will reopen.

                Since Tuesday, crews have been installing an underground electrical line beneath the four lanes of Cumberland Avenue. The line is 12 feet below the road, and burying the line allows for the removal of overhead power lines along Cumberland Avenue.

                The project had been scheduled to be completed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. But the earlier-than-anticipated street reopening means that it will be easier for New Year’s Eve patrons of Cumberland Avenue restaurants to access parking.

                “Cumberland Avenue has remained open for business from Day 1, since the two-year Cumberland reconstruction project started back in April,” said Anne Wallace, the City’s Deputy Director of Redevelopment.

                “What better way to ring in the new year than by patronizing a favorite Cumberland restaurant tonight? Or enjoy the game-day festivities and special menu items on New Year’s Day, with the Vols playing in the Outback Bowl. Go Big Orange!”

Crews will be paving the section of Cumberland Avenue between 17th and 19th streets next Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 4-5, but traffic will be temporarily shifted with no long-term lane closures.

The relocation and upgrade of electric infrastructure is part of the City’s overall $17 million reconstruction of the corridor.

Phase I work on the western end of Cumberland, between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22nd Street, is completed – on time and under budget. Improving traffic flow was a key objective of the Phase I work. Synchronized traffic flow at Metron Center Way and a dedicated turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway have lessened decades-long issues with congestion.

Phase II work is underway in the section of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd and 17th streets. Scheduled to be completed in August 2017, the reconstruction will change the existing four-lane street on the eastern end of the corridor to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections between 22nd Street and 17th Street.

In both the Phase I and Phase II work, Cumberland Avenue sidewalks are being widened, and utility infrastructure relocated and upgraded, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

Meanwhile, motorists next week should anticipate new street closures associated with the Phase II work:

-  From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, two lanes in the 1500 block of Cumberland Avenue – between Volunteer Boulevard and Philip Fulmer Way – will be closed while KUB installs new sewer system infrastructure. One eastbound and one westbound lane will remain open.

-  From 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, until 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, a section of South 18th Street between Cumberland and the alley north of Lake Avenue will be closed to allow crews to install an electrical duct bank.

-  From Monday, Jan. 4, through Wednesday, Jan. 6, sections of North 18th and 19th streets, from Cumberland to the alley, will be closed to accommodate work upgrading the sewer system.


More information is available at www.CumberlandConnect.com, on the Cumberland Connect Facebook page, facebook.com/CumberlandConnect, and on the Cumberland Connect phone app.

RIBBON CUTTING TO CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF PHASE I, CUMBERLAND AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

What: Ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue

When: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016

Where: Grassy area just north of the Three Rivers Rambler depot, 2560 University Commons Way; parking available in the lot south of the depot

Who: Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, 1st District City Councilman Nick Pavlis and other Council members, Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association members, City of Knoxville Office of Redevelopment staff, Engineering Department staff, representatives of Knoxville Utilities Board, and representatives of Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers and Southern Constructors, Inc.


Phase I of the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue, between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22nd Street, has ended – on time and under budget. Improving traffic flow was a key objective of the Phase I work. Synchronized traffic flow at Metron Center Way and a dedicated turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway have lessened decades-long issues with congestion.

Phase II work is underway in the section of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd and 17th streets. Scheduled to be completed in August 2017, the reconstruction will change the existing four-lane street on the eastern end of the corridor to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections.

In both the Phase I and Phase II work, Cumberland Avenue sidewalks are being widened, and utility infrastructure relocated and upgraded, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.


Anyone needing a disability accommodation to attend the Jan. 6 ribbon-cutting should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Cook, at scook@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034. For an English interpreter, contact Kim Scarborough at kscarborough@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2029. 

As always, thank you for your interest in all things pertaining to Cumberland Avenue - have a safe, fun-filled and happy new year!

Monday, December 28, 2015

Construction Update December 28th


Construction Update for 18th Street Electrical Crossing

Due to the heavy rain in the forecast for tonight the decision has been made to delay start of the excavation work to cross Cumberland at 18th until tomorrow morning, Tuesday, December 29. Cumberland will remain open to traffic today. 


More information about the project is available at www.CumberlandConnect.com, on the Cumberland Connect Facebook page, facebook.com/CumberlandConnect, and on the Cumberland Connect phone app.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

December 24th Update

TWO BLOCKS OF CUMBERLAND AVE. TO BE CLOSED DEC. 28-JAN. 5

                Two blocks of Cumberland Avenue between 17th and 19th streets will be closed for eight days beginning Monday, Dec. 28, to allow for the installation of an underground electrical line.

                The closure is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Dec. 28 and continue until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. Vehicle traffic will be detoured to Clinch Avenue between 17th and 19th streets. Pedestrian access to businesses along Cumberland Avenue will be maintained throughout.

The electrical line will carry power from a Knoxville Utilities Board substation at Dale Avenue to the Cumberland Avenue area and beyond. It will allow the removal of overhead power lines along Cumberland Avenue, part of the City’s overall $17 million reconstruction of the corridor.

The Cumberland Avenue project, scheduled to be completed in August 2017, will change the existing four-lane street on the eastern end of the corridor to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections between 22nd Street and 17th Street.

Phase I work on the western end of Cumberland, between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22nd Street, is coming to an end – on time and on budget. Phase II is under way.


                More information about the project is available at www.CumberlandConnect.com, on the Cumberland Connect Facebook page, facebook.com/CumberlandConnect, and on the Cumberland Connect phone app.

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday, January 6
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 
Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.

Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar. 

Friday, November 20, 2015

November 20 Update

Utility Work to Close Section of Cumberland Ave. for 48 Hours

Posted: 11/16/2015 (www.knoxvilletn.gov)
Starting at 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and continuing until 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, Cumberland Avenue will be closed between North 19th Street and 20th Street as crews install sewer system infrastructure.

Westbound motorists for those two days will be detoured using 19th Street to Clinch Avenue to 22nd Street. Eastbound motorists will follow the same detour route in reverse order.

Also, KUB’s contractor, Southern Constructors, will implement a second road closure as part of the sewer system upgrades. Today through 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, South 19th Street will be closed between Cumberland Avenue and Lake Avenue.

These two road closures are part of Phase II of the City of Knoxville’s overall $17 million Cumberland Avenue reconstruction. Phase II, to be completed in August 2017, will change the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections between 22nd Street and 17th Street.

Meanwhile, Phase I work – improving traffic flow between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22nd Street – is coming to a close. Last Friday, Nov. 13, barrels were removed and all five lanes of traffic reopened.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, the last lane in the Phase I area is being repaved, so anticipate some lane shifts overnight Thursday and into Friday.

In both the Phase I and Phase II projects, Cumberland Avenue sidewalks are being widened, and utility lines relocated, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor. Utility infrastructure is being updated.

Unrelated to the City’s Cumberland Avenue project: From 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, through 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, White Avenue will be closed between 20th and 21st streets. A crane used in the construction of a new East Tennessee Children’s Hospital building is being dismantled.

For more information, please visit www.cumberlandconnect.com

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday, December 2
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 
Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.
Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar. 

KUB Update
In response to community concerns expressed at the November 4th CAMA meeting and at the request of the City of Knoxville, KUB has installed additional lighting in the the alley on the north side of Cumberland Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets. KUB installed two LED Navion Street Lights on November 10th. Thanks to KUB for their assistance and quick response to this request!  

Community Events

Saturday November 21, 2015

Market Square Farmers Market

Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9am-2pm
12th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.   marketsquarefarmersmarket.org

 
Knoxville Ice Bears vs Columbus

Knoxville Civic Coliseum
7:35pm
For tickets call 865-656-4444 or visit www.knoxvilletickets.com

City of Knoxville Offices
Closed for Holiday, November 26-27th, Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday November 27, 2015
Regal Celebration of Lights
Market Square, Market Street, Krutch Park Ext
6pm-9pm
Join us for the lighting of our new 38' tree in Krutch Park Ext. Enjoy live music, carolers, train rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, marshmallow roasting and more. WDVX Holiday Ho Ho HoeDown will be on Bill Lyons Pavilion from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Market Street will have local businesses doing crafts with children, stop by Home Depot's Little Elves Workshop, and make a card to be sent to our soldiers with American Red Cross ‘Cards for Hero’s’. And don't forget to stop by and see the miniature train set! The lighting of the tree ceremony begins at 6pm, other activities will begin after.


As always, thank you for your interest in Cumberland Avenue - have a safe weekend. Don't forget the road closure and GO VOLS - beat those Tigers!

Friday, October 30, 2015

October 30th Update

City Council Election 

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3. For information about where to vote, visit http://knoxcounty.org/election/

Remember, local government has a large impact on daily life.  Let your voice be heard by voting for the candidates you support. Your vote does matter.  

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 
Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.
 
Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar. 

Cumberland Avenue Construction Updates

Check out the new feature, the Construction Two Week Look Ahead on www.cumberlandconnect.com. This feature is available from the home page and will provide updates and photos of work as we continue construction. This week's update is posted below:

Both utility and streetscape construction are still on schedule, even though we have had some weather issues to contend with.

Over the next two weeks expect to see:

  • The completion of the new sidewalks on the west side of North 22nd Street
  • Completion of underground electric on north side of Cumberland across 22nd
  • The continuation of the 42" storm drainage moving east near 20th Street
  • Installation of silva cells near Cookout - silva cells provide underground root space for the new tree plantings.

We will continue to provide weekly updates as we move forward with the streetscape transformation.

Community Events

Saturday October 31, 2015

Race for the Summit 4 Miler
UTK Campus, Circle Park
9am
2nd annual race for the Summit 4 Miler in Knoxville. All proceeds will benefit the Pat Summit Foundation.

Downtown Knoxville Trick-or-Treat
Market Square, Union Ave, Gay Street
3pm-5pm
Trick-or-Treating for kids, pets, and adults in Downtown Knoxville on Market Square, Union Ave and Gay Street. There will be candy, pet treats and special drawings for prizes and discounts from dozens of downtown merchants.

Halloween for Hunger
World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn
6pm-10pm
Concert w/Unknown Hinson & Halloween festivities including a costume contest benefitting Second Harvest.
Great Smoky MTN Dog Show
Jacob Building/Chilhowee Park Grounds
7am-7pm
http://www.tvkc.org/

Sunday November 1, 2015

Chili Cook Off
World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn
11am-6pm
10th Annual Chili Cook Off benefitting Second Harvest. To purchase tickets visit http://community.secondharvestetn.org/event-calendar?cid=1&ceid=40&cerid=0&cdt=11%2f1%2f2015

As always, thank you for your continued interest in Cumberland Avenue and have a safe and fun filled weekend! Go Vols! 

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

October 7th Update

Update on Traffic Control Permit 

The overnight paving scheduled for today on Cumberland Avenue between Alcoa Highway and W. Volunteer Blvd. has been pushed back to tomorrow night due to an unforeseen conflict on the part of a subcontractor involved in the resurfacing of the street. The repaving is now scheduled from Thursday, October 8th from 8:00 PM to Friday, October 9th at 6:00 AM. Thank you.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

October 6th Update

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - Monthly Meeting (Voting on Officers)
Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 
Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project. *Additionally, CAMA elections will be held at this meeting for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Please plan to attend, nominate, volunteer and vote! *
 
Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar. 

Traffic Control Permit Request / Cumberland Avenue Construction update
When: Wednesday, October 7th from 8:00 PM to Thursday, October 8th til 6:00 AM
What: Road resurfacing and lanes shifts for asphalt installation, traffic cones and or flagging will be used to maintain traffic
Where: Between Alcoa Highway and Volunteer Blvd. 

KUB Update
Traffic Advisory – Road/Lane Closure for Utility Work [All closures and work are weather permitting]  

(Fort Sanders Area) S. Seventeenth Street Lane Closure [October 8 & 9] – KUB crews will close the outside, southbound lane of S. Seventeenth Street between Clinch Avenue and White Avenue from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, as work is performed on the natural gas system in the area. One southbound lane and both northbound lanes will remain open during this time, and flagmen will be on site to assist with traffic control.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use caution and expect temporary delays in these areas. More information on this and other KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org

Community Events

October 9, 2015
Community Day on Market Square
Market Square
11am-2pm
The Behavioral Health Awareness Coalition hosts this event annually to promote awareness and provide information regarding mental health issues. Free hot dogs, entertainment, exhibitors and games.

Movies on the Square
Market Square
6pm-10pm
A community wide free outdoor movie series. Neighbors bring lawn chairs & picnics out for a night in front of the silver screen, under the stars - all to showcase the great collection of music and movies at the Public Library. This week’s movie is Hotel Transylvania, PG

October 10, 2015
University of Tennessee Volunteers vs. University of Georgia Bulldogs
Neyland Stadium
Kick off at 3:39 PM - Broadcasting on CBS
GO VOLS!

Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9am-2pm
12th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.   marketsquarefarmersmarket.org

Gospel Singing
Market Square
4pm-10pm

ROCCK Racing
Pavilion at Chilhowee Park
8am-11pm
Radio operated car racing presented by the Radio Operated Car Club of Knoxville               www.rocckracing.com

October 11, 2015
Pilot CrossKnox
City of Knoxville Greenways – Morningside Park
8am
Annual Pilot CrossKnox 15K showcasing City of Knoxville greenways and running point to point from Morningside to Bearden Elementary
Knoxville Community Band
Market Square
3pm
The Knoxville Community Band plays an assortment of light classical, festive and marching songs.
 
As always, thanks for your interest in Cumberland Avenue have a great and safe week!


Friday, September 11, 2015

September 11th Update

September 11th Memorial - We will never forget

This morning, the City of Knoxville and Knox County held a joint 9/11 Memorial Service to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
For more information, please visit here.

CAMA Update - Brick By Brick Pre-Game on the Strip a success! 

The Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association held the first ever block party on Cumberland Avenue on September 5th from 2-4 PM in advance of the UT vs. Bowling Green game that was held in Nashville, TN. This family friendly event had a welcome from Mayor Rogero and 30 different merchants and groups provided booths with food, fun and games! 
For more about the event, check out this link

Thanks to CAMA, Merle FM and City of Knoxville for sponsoring this fun event! 

Oh, and if you didn't get your t-shirt at the event, this historic souvenir can still be purchased for $5 at University Liquors and Copper Cellar - but don't wait, there are limited quantities! Thanks to Becky Rehorn at Vaughn & Melton for the design and Debbie Billings at Graphic Creations for printing these awesome shirts! 

It's Football Time in Tennessee! 
And if you're planning to attend the big game #23 UT vs. #19 Oklahoma, visit www.cumberlandconnect.com and keep these tips in mind. 

1) Plan ahead - take time to plan your route and parking destination. On campus parking will be limited to parking permit holders. 

2) Leave early and bring your patience - give yourself extra time to get to your destination and avoid the stress of a last minute arrival; security at the game will take time so be prepared to arrive early so you don't miss kick off; please be patient as there are lots of construction projects on going in and around campus.

3) Use KAT shuttles if you want to avoid congestion and driving stress. 

4) Visit the Cumberland Avenue Merchants - they need your support during construction; walk over and patronize your favorite spots; coupons are available on the Cumberland Connect App!

5) Have fun and be safe! Go Vols! 

Friday, August 21, 2015

August 21st Update


CUMBERLAND AVENUE MERCHANTS TO HOST FIRST-EVER
BRICK BY BRICK PRE-GAME BLOCK PARTY ON THE STRIP

                If your orange blood is boiling and you just can’t wait for the Vols’ first home football game on Sept. 12, the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association has a cure – a first-ever pre-game closed-street block party before the Saturday, Sept. 5 season opener in Nashville.

                In fact, merchants are anticipating a big weekend of back-to-back fun on Cumberland Avenue on Sept. 5-6. On Sunday, Sept. 6, the next day after the restart of University of Tennessee football, hit the Strip for the final Boomsday, the nation’s largest Labor Day Weekend fireworks show. Cumberland Avenue is a perfect spot to eat and start your Boomsday experience, merchants say.

                A section of Cumberland Avenue will be closed between 18th Street and North 19th Street for the Brick by Brick Pre-Game on the Strip block party from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5.

                Imagine 300 feet of booths, where the most diehard head-to-toe orange-and-white-clad UT fans can graze the food vendors, compete in games, get souvenir giveaways, purchase merchandise and take in the music provided by Merle 96.7 FM.

                The event is alcohol-free and family-friendly.

                After the pre-game festivities, UT fans are encouraged to gravitate toward their favorite Cumberland Avenue Corridor restaurants. Many merchants along the Strip are offering special menus, big-screen viewings and promotions in conjunction with the UT-Bowling Green game in Nashville. Kickoff is 4 p.m.

                “We welcome Big Orange fans back to the Strip with a fun, family-friendly pre-game block party,” said Copper Cellar General Manager Jonah Riggs, one of the event organizers. “There will be a lot of fun options – games, food, live music, unique merchandise for sale, and giveaways of souvenirs and collectibles to fans.

“There certainly will be a lot of Vol enthusiasm. We hope our diehard fans will have a great time, then stay and watch the game at their favorite Cumberland Avenue restaurants.”

                The City of Knoxville – which is reconstructing a nine-block stretch of Cumberland Avenue – is offering logistical support to the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association for the pre-game event.

The City’s $17 million investment in the street makeover will modernize aging utility infrastructure and improve traffic flow by changing the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Sidewalks will be widened and landscaped, and utility lines relocated, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

                “We know the lane closures during the reconstruction present challenges, but the popular and unique businesses in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor have been and will be accessible,” said Anne Wallace, the City’s Cumberland Avenue project manager. “We hope visitors to the Brick by Brick Pre-Game on the Strip event will realize that and continue to patronize these businesses.

“This block party also is a fun opportunity for people who love Cumberland to take note of what it looks like now, and compare that to the completed project in 2017.”

                Helen Morton with University Liquors is one the stakeholders who’s eagerly anticipating Brick by Brick Pre-Game on the Strip. Earlier this week, she was part of a CAMA crew that spruced up Cumberland Avenue – tying up more than 100 huge orange and white bows to celebrate the return of Vol football.

                “This block party is historic, and it’ll be a lot of fun,” Morton said. “It’s the first official street closing on Cumberland. What could be better than family, friends, food and football? I’m thrilled to be able to help out.

“We invite fans to come have a good time, and afterward, to stick around, patronize their favorite businesses, watch the game and enjoy a great meal.”

For more information about the block party or the Cumberland Avenue reconstruction project, or to check out this week’s special offers from merchants, visit www.cumberlandconnect.com.



Friday, July 31, 2015

July 31st Update

‘MAJOR MILESTONE’ ON CUMBERLAND AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION:
EASTBOUND LANE TO REOPEN SATURDAY, AUG. 1

                An eastbound lane will open Saturday, Aug. 1, on Cumberland Avenue between Alcoa Highway and 22nd Street – marking a “major milestone” in the City of Knoxville’s $17 million reconstruction of Cumberland.

                The Phase I work – upgrading aging utilities, improving traffic flow and adding Streetscape amenities on the western section of Cumberland Avenue – remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2015.

                “This represents a big step forward for all Cumberland Avenue stakeholders,” said Anne Wallace, the City’s project manager and incoming Deputy Director of the Office of Redevelopment.

“Reopening traffic in both directions, prior to the University of Tennessee starting fall classes and the beginning of UT football, is a major milestone in Phase I. The project remains on schedule.”

Over the past two months, both eastbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue have been closed in a two-block section between University Commons Way and West Volunteer Boulevard, while one of the two westbound lanes through this section of Cumberland has usually been open.

However, work on two weekends required a complete shutdown of that two-block section of Cumberland. Installation of a 42-inch stormwater line 12 feet below the road and a rebuilding of the at-grade railroad crossing were among the tough tasks that crews had to tackle.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, one lane of traffic will be open in each direction – eastbound and westbound – through the end of the year as Phase I work is completed.

Phase I B - Traffic Control Plan Starts August 1st

Remaining Phase I work includes new sidewalks on the north side of Cumberland; new lighting; improvements to the access to Metron Center Way and a new signal pole; improvements to the Tyson Park entrance; and a resurfacing of Cumberland.

Once the resurfacing is finished and the road restriped, motorists will notice a new dedicated turn lane from westbound Cumberland onto northbound Alcoa Highway, made possible by the reconfiguration of space during the reconstruction. Wallace believes this will help alleviate much of the traffic congestion on Cumberland around Metron Center Way and University Commons Way during peak traffic periods.

The City’s initiative to redesign a nine-block stretch of Cumberland Avenue will modernize aging utility infrastructure and change the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Sidewalks will be widened and landscaped, and utility lines relocated, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

                Once the Phase I work is completed, the project will move into Phase II – the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue from 22nd Street to just east of 17th Street, scheduled for completion in August 2017.

                In fact, KUB crews have already started doing some of the utility work, with a lane of Cumberland closed between 19th and 22nd streets, in advance of the City’s Phase II reconstruction.

                Next week, starting Monday morning, Aug. 3, a Southern Constructors contract crew will be closing 21st Street at its intersection with Cumberland to install a new sewer main. There will be two-way traffic on Cumberland, and both entrances to the Mellow Mushroom and both entrances to the Starbucks will remain open.

                A new traffic plan that took effect earlier this month – converting four side streets from one-way to two-way traffic between Lake and White avenues – will give motorists more options for finding destinations on Cumberland while avoiding the Phase II work.

                Businesses in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor will remain accessible. For drivers wishing to avoid the construction zone, their best option is to follow the City’s recommended detour routes:

n  From Kingston Pike and northbound and southbound Alcoa Highway, take Neyland Drive to Joe Johnson Drive to Volunteer Boulevard.

n  Those wishing to reach Cumberland Avenue from the north or coming off Interstate 40/75 can do so via 17th Street.

n  To most quickly access Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, take 17th Street to Clinch Avenue.


For more information about the Cumberland Avenue reconstruction, regular updates and special offers from area merchants, see www.cumberlandconnect.com.

Friday, July 10, 2015

July 10th Update

WATER LINE RELOCATION TO CLOSE TWO-BLOCK SECTION
OF CUMBERLAND AVENUE

From 3 a.m. Saturday, July 11, though 6 a.m. Monday, July 13, a westbound lane of Cumberland Avenue will be closed between Volunteer Boulevard and the ramps east of Alcoa Highway. The practical effect will be a complete closure of all lanes in this two-block section of Cumberland Avenue for 51 hours.

Crews will be rerouting a water line around a 42-inch stormwater line deep below Cumberland Avenue.

Two eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue already are closed between University Commons and West Volunteer Boulevard. The weekend water line relocation will temporarily close the single westbound lane that’s currently open through that area.

The rerouting of the water line will close the University Commons Way intersection at Cumberland Avenue. Shoppers or diners wishing to access the University Commons retail complex may do so via Joe Johnson Drive and Neyland Drive.

The utility work also will close the intersection of Volunteer Boulevard at Cumberland Avenue and the entrance to Metron Center Way from Cumberland Avenue. The same detour route as the June 26th weekend closure will be in effect.

The City of Knoxville’s $17 million initiative to redesign Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway east to 17th Street is changing the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Sidewalks will be widened and landscaped, and utility lines relocated, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

Construction is proceeding in two phases, with Phase I (from Alcoa Highway to 22nd Street) to be completed by the end of 2015, and Phase II (from 22nd Street to just east of 17th Street) scheduled for completion in August 2017.

After this weekend’s full closure of the two-block section, one westbound lane on Cumberland Avenue will reopen Monday morning, July 13. Then, by Aug. 1, one eastbound lane will reopen. There will be one lane of traffic in each direction – eastbound and westbound – through the end of the year as Phase I work is completed.

For more information about the Cumberland Avenue reconstruction, regular updates and special offers from area merchants, see www.cumberlandconnect.com.

Monday, June 29, 2015

June 29th Update


UNDERGROUND UTILITY WORK TO CLOSE LANES
ON TWO-BLOCK SECTION OF 17th STREET

Starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, two of the four lanes on 17th Street between Clinch Avenue and Cumberland Avenue will be closed.

The closures on the two-block section of 17th Street will allow utility work that is part of the construction of The Standard, a 240-plus-unit apartment complex being built on the southwest corner of 17th Street and White Avenue.

The work – underground electrical and communication duct bank construction – will continue into August. One northbound lane and one southbound lane on 17th Street will remain open through the two-block section. The sidewalk on the west side of 17th Street also will be closed.

The 17th Street closures are not directly part of the City of Knoxville’s Cumberland Avenue redesign project. However, Bob Whetsel, the City’s Director of Redevelopment, believes the City’s investment in infrastructure in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor is helping to successfully leverage major private reinvestment in the area.

“The City is committing $17 million in local and federal funds into the Cumberland project,” Whetsel said. “When the redesign is completed in 2017, traffic will flow better, utility lines will have been relocated, and sidewalks will be wider and landscaped. Cumberland visitors and residents will enjoy a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

“The public investment is helping to stimulate dramatic redevelopment – more than $130 million in private investments – along the Cumberland Avenue Corridor, including The Standard.”

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Update

Date: Wednesday, July 1
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue


What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project. 

Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue. Bring a neighbor or a fellow co-worker.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

June 25 Update - Closure and Detour Information

TWO-BLOCK SECTION OF CUMBERLAND AVENUE
TO COMPLETELY CLOSE FRIDAY THROUGH MIDDAY MONDAY

Starting Friday morning, all lanes of Cumberland Avenue, in both directions, will be closed between 22nd Street and the ramps east of Alcoa Highway. Crews will be continuing to install a new 42-inch stormwater line 12 feet below Cumberland Avenue and rebuilding the at-grade railroad crossing in that section of Cumberland.

                The closure of the two-block section of Cumberland Avenue will start at 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, and will continue through noon Monday, June 29.

                The work will close University Commons Way at Cumberland Avenue. Shoppers or diners wishing to access the University Commons retail complex may do so via Joe Johnson Drive and Neyland Drive.

The road closure is part of the City of Knoxville’s $17 million initiative to redesign Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway east to 17th Street, changing the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Sidewalks will be widened and landscaped, and utility lines relocated, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

Construction is proceeding in two phases, with Phase I (from Alcoa Highway to 22nd Street) to be completed by the end of 2015, and Phase II (from 22nd Street to just east of 17th Street) scheduled for completion in August 2017.

The complete closure that starts Friday is part of a summer construction phase in which all eastbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue already are closed between University Commons and West Volunteer Boulevard. One westbound lane currently is open.

After this weekend’s full closure for the stormwater line installation and railroad crossing rebuild, one westbound lane on Cumberland Avenue will reopen at noon Monday.

The closure of the eastbound lanes and the stormwater line installation is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 1. At that point, there will be one lane of traffic in each direction – eastbound and westbound – through the end of the year as Phase I work is completed.

Businesses and other destinations in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor remain accessible, and the best way to reach them is to follow the City’s recommended detour routes:

n  From Kingston Pike and northbound and southbound Alcoa Highway, take Neyland Drive to Joe Johnson Drive to Volunteer Boulevard.

n  Those wishing to reach Cumberland Avenue from the north or coming off Interstate 40/75 can do so via 17th Street.

n  To most quickly access Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, take 17th Street to Clinch Avenue.


In addition, Cumberland Avenue Corridor visitors can ride KAT buses for free. Routes 10, 11 and 17 are all free from Gay Street to Cumberland, and bus riders can board along Cumberland Avenue fare-free.

Also, free public parking on weekends and after 6 p.m. weekdays is available in the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center lot at 19th Street and White Avenue and in the UT Federal Credit Union lot at 22nd Street and White Avenue.

For more information about the Cumberland Avenue reconstruction, regular updates and special offers from area merchants, see www.cumberlandconnect.com/.