Summary

The West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan is a $33 million investment that will lay the foundation for the revitalization of the area that connects East Tennessee State University to downtown.

The existing road will be removed and replaced with a new design which will include upgrades to water and sewer lines and storm drains. The new, pedestrian-friendly roadway will include sidewalks on both sides, on-street parking and a bike lane. The design of the roadway will include traffic calming measures such as raised intersections and slight curves.

The intersection of West Walnut Street and University Parkway will be converted to a right-in-right-out configuration and a street extension will be constructed at Cherokee Street to connect West Walnut Street to State of Franklin Road. A new signal will be installed at Pine Street and University Parkway. Public, accessible greenspaces are included in the plan to aid in the best management of stormwater and serve as gathering places for people living in or visiting the City of Johnson City.

To view the plan in its entirety, please visit West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan.

West Walnut Update (March 22)

Construction activities for the West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan are below.

Early April

• Storm pipe will be installed from Cherokee Street east to Simple Smiles (712 West Walnut Street).

Early May

• Intersection at Sevier and West Walnut streets will have brick pavers installed.
• Intersection at Earnest and West Walnut streets will have brick pavers installed.

Continued Work

• BrightRidge is pulling wire on Ashe and West Walnut streets.
• Street light installation is underway on West Walnut Street between Sevier and Buffalo streets.
• Work on road base is underway on Boyd Street from West Walnut to West Maple streets.
• Sidewalk installation is taking place along West Walnut at Firehouse Restaurant and West Watauga Avenue.
• Hardscape features and brick paver base will be placed along the Earnest Street walkway.
• Crews will begin working on concrete base for intersections at Earnest and Sevier streets on West Walnut Street in early April, weather dependent.
• Sanitary sewer installation is underway on West Walnut Street from Cherokee Street to the west.
• Sanitary Sewer service connections will occur between Simple Smiles and Cherokee Street.

West Walnut Street Detour Map with Key

As of March 22, the map below should be used for detours through the construction activities to access area business and restaurants. Feel free to distribute this as you deem appropriate. The entire area in yellow is under construction to varying degrees which includes lane and intersection closures. Please observe all posted detour signs.

Drivers should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed to limit dust in the area.

sign up for updates

Updates will be posted to this page as they are available. If you would like to receive email updates regarding this project, please email your request to Sarah Nobles at snobles@johnsoncitytn.org.