Those frequenting the Melton Lake Greenway in Oak Ridge will need to temporarily find alternative routes as the city has announced major maintenance work set to begin early next month under the Edgemoor Road Bridge. The boardwalk section of the popular trail will be closed from Monday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb. 6, to allow crews to carry out necessary repairs. WVLT reported that Lauren Gray, City of Oak Ridge Senior Communications Specialist, confirmed the dates but also noted that the construction schedule could potentially change, subject to weather conditions.
Commuters and residents who frequent the area are being advised to plan their activities accordingly during the closure period. The greenway, which connects a series of parks and scenic areas along Melton Hill Lake, requires this upkeep to address parts of the boardwalk recently found to be in need. It has been emphasized by a city spokesperson that the maintenance is part of regular efforts to keep the trail safe and not directly related to the bridge accident that occurred earlier, as per a statement obtained by WATE.
The Melton Lake Greenway is a vital link between Emory Valley Greenway, Elza Gate Park, Melton Lake Park, Haw Ridge Park, and Melton Hill Lake, providing residents and visitors with a continuous route for various recreational activities. Interruptions to its accessibility underscore the importance of the path in the daily lives of those who use it for commuting or as an escape into nature's embrace. For more details on the closure, the public can contact the city at 865-425-3450.
Significant damage was sustained by the span under which the greenway passes during an early morning car accident involving a Ford F-250 that crashed into the bridge's concrete railing, followed by a secondary collision with another vehicle - details of the incident were reported by WBIR. Thankfully, despite the severity of the damage, there were no injuries reported. Lauren Gray communicated the circumstances surrounding these crashes, reinforcing the decision to temporarily close the greenway is in the best interest of safety during substantial maintenance.
