Funding secured! The proposed bridge between UTK campus and South Knoxville is happening
The pedestrian bridge has been in conversations for more than a decade. Now, with ample funding the conversation turns toward the timeline for when the community will see project completion.
A pedestrian bridge in Knoxville, connecting the University and South Knoxville has been in discussion since 2006. As of this week, that proposed project is finally coming to fruition, thanks to hefty grants provided by the federal RAISE program and the state of Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has long-awaited a pedestrian bridge that will link the main campus for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) with the growing South side of Knoxville, giving students more access to the Urban Wilderness, housing options, and activities, while also providing community members walking access to the proposed Neyland Entertainment District.
Officials say the bridge will directly help alleviate problems when it comes to parking and housing on campus. Plus, it opens new avenues to accommodate growing enrollment numbers and student populations.
The City of Knoxville was awarded a $24.7 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and an additional $20 million from the state to turn the bridge proposal into a reality.
The project is estimated to be around $60 million. Thanks to the grant from USDOT and $20 million from the state, the city plans to make up the difference of $15 million from new development and taxes on the south waterfront.
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