CBID urges TDOT to accomodate bikes on Henley Street Bridge

Date: 02/02/2010

During a special called meeting on Monday, February 1, the CBID Board of Directors unanimously voted to encourage the Tennessee Department of Transportation to accommodate bicycle traffic in TDOT’s redesign for the Henley Street Bridge. TDOT’s current design calls for expanding the bridge from the five current traffic lanes to its maximum possible width—six traffic lanes—while retaining the sidewalks at their current width.

In a letter sent to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, the CBID board voiced their support for a change to this current plan to include five lanes for vehicular traffic, as well as bicycle lanes and sidewalks in each direction.

A public meeting hosted by the City of Knoxville last week reinforced widespread support among downtown Knoxville stakeholders for the inclusion of these bicycle lanes. Additionally, the pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly nature of the South Knox Waterfront Plan make the addition of bike lanes to the bridge even more timely.

The CBID board of directors also requested that TDOT use the Henley Street Bridge project as an opportunity to evaluate the traffic design of Henley Street. Directors felt that the upcoming Henley Street Bridge project is the ideal time to enhance the Henley Street pedestrian experience through wayfinding, integration of bike paths and sidewalks into the central business district, traffic calming, stronger pedestrian linkages, and related safety and design methods.

Currently TDOT is planning to dismantle and rebuild the 80-year-old bridge in a project that would require closure of the bridge for as long as 24-36 months. The earliest possible date for closure of the bridge is early 2011.

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