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.

Project UPDATE - May 26

The lane closures on West State of Franklin Road between South Commerce and Buffalo streets will remain in place with one lane open in each direction. Excavation for storm structures and pipe on West State of Franklin Road is expected to be complete in about 3 weeks.

Utility crews will continue to work on street light and communications conduit along West Walnut and Ashe streets. Street closures will occur as necessary.

Curb and gutter installation for Southwest Avenue is underway. Southwest Avenue will be blocked to through traffic while this work is completed. Roadway excavation and stone base for West Walnut Street from Southwest Avenue to Sevier Street is expected to be complete in one week.

Sidewalk installation along Ashe Street is expected to begin next week. Installation of brick pavers for crosswalks and parking areas will begin mid-June. 

The 16-inch water line from West State of Franklin Road to West Walnut Street will be crossing West Walnut Street toward the connection to the existing line on Cherokee Street. Detours and delays in this area should be expected. This project is expected to take about two weeks to complete. 

Construction on gravity sewer from Boyd Street west along West Walnut Street is expected to begin in a week.

Storm drain installation along West Walnut Street between West Watauga Avenue and Boyd Street is complete.  Building roof drain connections are underway at various locations along Ashe and West Walnut streets.

Drivers who cannot avoid these areas 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.

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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 Ann Marie French.