January 8th Update

IT’S OFFICIAL: PHASE I OF CUMBERLAND AVENUE

RECONSTRUCTION COMPLETED ON TIME, WITHIN BUDGET

                Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, City Council members and dozens of Cumberland Avenue merchants, stakeholders and reconstruction project partners cut an orange ribbon to officially dedicate the new and improved western end of Cumberland Avenue this afternoon.

                Phase I of the City of Knoxville’s $17 million Cumberland Avenue reconstruction has been completed – on time and within budget.

“We’re creating a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly Cumberland Avenue Corridor, and this first phase has dramatically unclogged traffic congestion between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22^nd Street,” Mayor Rogero said.

“We’re now into Phase II – burying utility lines, upgrading infrastructure and adding left-turn lanes, medians and streetscape amenities from 22^nd to 17^th streets. We’re excited by the merchants’ enthusiasm and the $130 million in new private-sector investments throughout the Cumberland Corridor.”

Phase I work on the western end of Cumberland, between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22^nd Street, focused on improving traffic flow. A dedicated turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway and synchronized traffic signalization at Metron Center Way have lessened decades-long issues with congestion.

To be completed in August 2017, the Phase II reconstruction will change the existing four-lane Cumberland between 22^nd and 17^th streets to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Cumberland Avenue sidewalks are being widened and landscaped, and utility infrastructure is being relocated and improved.

                Mayor Rogero urged people to continue to patronize their favorite Cumberland Avenue restaurants and shops.

                “Cumberland has been open for business since this project started in April, and that’s not about to change now,” she said.

“Come to Cumberland Avenue. Explore what’s new, and experience firsthand the energy and optimism. See for yourself how easy it is to get to your favorite stores and restaurants.”

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

For anyone who missed the ribbon cutting and would like to see a full video, click here or visit:

http://www.ctvknox.org/ribbon-cutting/ 

Thanks to our friends at Community Television for recording this exciting event! 

Cumberland Avenue Phase I  - watch the work! 

It all started in the Spring of 2015, upgrading utilities, installing storm water pipes, building new railroad crossings, and finished in December. If you want to see a snapshot of all the great work accomplished in Phase I (between Alcoa Highway and 22nd Street) visit www.cumberlandconnect.com or click here. Thanks to Vaughn & Melton, Inc. for capturing all that hard work! 

Next steps - Phase II

Phase II work from 22nd Street to east of 17th Street is well underway. For more information about the project check  out the Two Week Look Ahead at www.cumberlandconnect.com. There is also a Google map of work locations associated with the project, private development, and other work on going in the surrounding area. 

Additionally Cumberland Avenue area motorists, property owners, residents and students can get text messages about the most current construction-related traffic updates. Simply text "streetscape" to 313131 to sign up for the text alerts.

As always, thank you for your interest in Cumberland Avenue; have a safe and fun filled weekend. Welcome back to UT students for the Spring Semester starting, Wednesday, January 13!