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 5)
Construction activities for the West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan are below.
Early-March
- Paving on West Watauga Avenue will occur from West Walnut Street to State of Franklin Road.
Mid-March
- Storm pipe will be installed from Cherokee Street east to Simple Smiles (712 West Walnut Street).
- Intersection at Union and West Walnut streets will have brick pavers installed.
- Intersection at West Watauga Avenue and West Walnut Street will have brick pavers installed.
Late-April
- 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
- Crews are working on West Walnut Street intersections.
- Paving will occur on West Walnut Street to Watauga Avenue to Boyd Street.
- Work on road base is underway on West Walnut Street from West Watauga Avenue to Simple Smiles.
- Curb and gutter work is underway on West Watauga Avenue from West Walnut Street to State of Franklin Road.
- BrightRidge is pulling wire on Ashe and West Walnut streets.
- Street light installation is underway on West Walnut Street between Sevier and Buffalo streets.
- Sidewalk installation is taking place along West Walnut, Sevier, and Union streets.
- Hardscape features and brick paver base will be placed along the Earnest Street walkway.
- Sanitary sewer installation is underway on West Walnut Street from Volunteer Pawn to the west.
West Walnut Street Intersections
Crews are working to install brick pavers on West Walnut Street at the intersections. Intersection closures are required during this construction activity.
West Walnut Street Detour Maps with Key
As of March 5, 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 order of street intersection closures is the following:
- Campbell Street - Complete
- Southwest Avenue - Complete
- Union Street
- Watauga Avenue
- Sevier Street
- Earnest Street
Only two intersections will be closed at a time.
The work will be staggered so closures do not occur at two intersections nearest to each other. This should alleviate issues caused as a result of construction and allow for continual access to all businesses affected.
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.