Commuters in Knoxville are in for a rough ride, as a major roadway undergoes significant construction. Starting this Sunday evening, the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) will kick off a two-and-a-half-month assault on infrastructure aging underneath Cumberland Avenue, throwing a wrench into the daily grind for drivers and pedestrians.
According to a release by the City of Knoxville, the extensive project, which aims to upgrade natural gas and water systems, will initially shut down Cumberland Avenue between 11th and 16th Streets from 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 22. The adjacent sidewalk on the north side, also faces closure, leaving walkers to find alternate paths. Even local streets, such as James Agee Street and 13th Street will be blocked off from accessing Cumberland Avenue.
After the initial closure, traffic woes continue as the project enters a new phase, stretching from May 22 through August 8. During this time, Cumberland Avenue's westbound lanes and still the north-side sidewalk will be closed. Traffic will be squished into a single lane in each direction on what are typically the eastbound lanes.
Residents and visitors should brace for another span of full closure that will bookend the project. Details on this final disruption remain scant, but it is expected as the KUB wraps up its updates and aims to restore semblance of normalcy to the bustling corridor. In the meantime, electronic message boards and clear signage are the city's first defense in the battle against chaos, directing motorists along the designated detour routes.
