For users of James White Greenway, the following weeks will demand a reroute as the City Public Service Department takes on repairs for the well-trod path. Starting Monday, Jan. 5, locals will find a 200-foot section between Volunteer Landing and Riverside Drive, near Gov. Ned McWherter Park, out of commission until early spring, as crews tackle the wear of gravity and erosion on the greenway's asphalt and fencing.
The need for repair is a response to the broken, sagging surfaces and damaged boundaries that time and nature have inflicted on the path. While the duration of the closure includes potential weather-related delays, the city aims to minimize disruptions during the colder months. As the repairs proceed, bicycle commuters are being redirected to use East Hill Avenue and George Dempster Drive, or Historic Preservation Drive and Riverside Drive, depending on their direction of travel. Pedestrians can opt for the Morningside Greenway detour.
According to a statement obtained by the City of Knoxville's official website, Parks and Greenways Coordinator Alison Bullock conveyed the city's apology for the inconvenience but emphasized the necessity of the work. “This involves more than just superficially repaving the surface," she explained. "Public Service crews will be removing existing asphalt patches, rebuilding the subgrade, and reinforcing the steep riverbank.”
The timing of the repair, during winter, was strategic to mitigate the impact on the flow of foot and bicycle traffic. Despite inconveniences, the city hopes the timing will prove beneficial for longer days ahead when the weather turns more agreeable for outdoor activities. For more details on the closure and alternate route specifics, residents can visit the aforementioned city website, which offers the latest updates on the project's progress and alternative pathways for commuters and leisure seekers alike.
