CUMBERLAND AVENUE CORRIDOR PROJECT
RECEIVES STATE AWARD
The
City of Knoxville’s Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project was named a state award
recipient by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association at the
organization’s annual conference held in Kingsport, Tenn. on Thursday.
The
$25 million project sought to improve safety for all users, increase economic
investments, and provide vibrancy along Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway to
16th Street. A road diet including medians, designated turning lanes, wider
sidewalks, a furnishing zone and stamped asphalt crosswalks were used to
improve vehicle and pedestrian safety.
Knoxville
Police Department records show that the project’s improvements to Cumberland
Avenue have yielded an estimated 40% reduction in vehicle collisions along the
half-mile corridor.
Prior
to the project, vehicular and pedestrian/bicycle accidents averaged six to
seven accidents annually; the most crashes per mile of any corridor in the
City. Since the project’s completion, there have been no reported vehicular
accidents with pedestrians/bicycles. The Knoxville Regional Transportation
Planning Organization reported this significant outcome in July with the
release of their interactive crash maps.
Finished
on time and under budget, the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project has led to
approximately $190 million private investment in six private developments,
which also brought approximately 1,400 new residents to the corridor.
The
public investment of $25 million was a combination of Surface Transportation
Program funds from the Federal Highway Administration, managed by the Tennessee
Department of Transportation, and a match from the City of Knoxville. Knoxville
Utilities Board also invested in the replacement of underground utilities;
which included new gas, water and sewer lines along the corridor.
In
addition to changes to traffic flow, safety improvements, and economic
development opportunities, major environmental improvements were implemented.
A
new storm water quality device now collects and filters storm water runoff from
Fort Sanders and removes litter before it enters the Third Creek watershed,
which feeds to the Tennessee River. Over 90 street trees were planted and serve
as natural storm water filters and will soon provide enough shade to help
reduce the heat island effect along the street. In addition, new City-provided
trash and recycling containers along Cumberland Avenue are receiving
approximately 3,000 pounds of trash and 1,100 pounds of recyclables weekly.
The
state award announced Thursday fell under the “Outstanding
Project/Program/Tool” category. By winning at the state level, the Cumberland
Avenue Corridor Project will also be submitted for consideration of a national
American Planning Association award.
“This
project represents incredible team work across multiple City Departments, our
local, state and federal partners, consultants, contractors, merchants and the
community,” said Anne Wallace, project manager and Deputy Director of the
City’s Office of Redevelopment. “Given the time, talent and efforts invested in
this project, this award is a collaborative honor shared by all involved.”
For
more information on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project, visit www.CumberlandConnect.com
and for more information about the award, visit www.tnapa.org.
Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 3
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 ways to promote and market this district.
There will also be discussion of upcoming events and opportunities for business participation.
There will also be discussion of upcoming events and opportunities for business participation.
Parking: Available parking is located at Copper Cellar.
Hope to see you there. Bring a neighbor or a friend!
