Residents and commuters frequenting North Cherry Street in Knoxville are slated to see significant upgrades in the area's stormwater infrastructure, following a recent decision by the city council. WVLT reports that a $2 million investment has been approved to combat the frequent flash flooding that disrupts this crucial connection between East Knoxville and North Knoxville.
The ongoing flooding issue has been traced back to a deteriorated underground stormwater pipe that failed to properly channel rainwater, pooling it in a low spot on the street, and resulting in the street often becoming impassable, even during moderate rainfall, the flooding exacerbated by a rusted-out corrugated metal pipe seemed to be the major contributor, and now a substantial 72-by-36-inch reinforced concrete box will be installed to alleviate this concern, and per WATE's coverage, the city coffers will bear around $400,000 of the overall expense with the remainder funded through a federal grant.
The replacement of the stormwater pipe with the much larger and more durable concrete box, which will stretch 1,100 linear feet between Cecil Avenue and the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing, signifies the council's proactive approach to infrastructure improvement. This is a part of a broader initiative, with the council recently approving funds for a second hydrology study on Loves Creek, focusing on the flooding at Lake Ottosee in Chilhowee Park, in steps to further mitigate water-related issues within the community.
Completion of the North Cherry Street project is anticipated within the year, with the expectation that it will not only prevent road closures but also improve overall water quality, and the contracting process appears to have been rigorous, with Adams Contracting named as the "lowest and most responsive bidder" for the contract as the city continues to move forward with its series of projects currently underway aimed at reducing flooding improving water quality in the area as highlighted by the Knoxville Daily Sun.
Aside from water infrastructure improvements, the city council has also been actively addressing social issues, with agreements approved to assist individuals experiencing homelessness through partnerships with local organizations, indicating a multi-faceted approach to addressing both the environmental and societal challenges faced by the community.
