Details of a major construction project that will result in significant improvements to a 1.2-mile stretch of Bristol, Tennessee’s East Cedar Street will be shared with community members during a pair of public sessions set for Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Members of the City’s engineering staff, officials from the engineering firm of Mattern and Craig, and representatives from Baker Construction Services Inc. will be available to provide a detailed overview of the project, which stretches from 5th Street to King College Road. Each session will begin at 6 p.m. in the gym of the Slater Community Center, 325 McDowell St.
First included in the Bristol Urban Area Long Range Transportation Plan Year 2035, which was adopted in 2011, the construction project is designed to “enhance East Cedar Street’s operation as a gateway to King University” and improve access to the residential developments in the northeast area of the City. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will fund $7.19 million, or 80 percent of the $8.98 million project, with the balance paid by the City. Although the project is expected to take up to two years to complete, City leaders said efforts will be made to expedite construction. Those traveling along East Cedar Street can expect to see construction activity beginning later this month.
When the project is completed, East Cedar Street will consist of two 12-foot travel lanes with five-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road.
Other planned improvements to East Cedar Street include:
- Changes at the 5th Street intersection to include turn lanes and upgrades to the traffic signal to improve safety at the railroad crossing.
- Modifications at the Virginia Avenue intersection to include the addition of left turn lanes onto Virginia Avenue and East Cedar Street.
- Realignment of the roadway between Golf Street and Halverstadt Drive, which is the entrance to King University, to eliminate the “S” curve.
- Improvements to steep hills in some areas, including the intersection with Georgia Avenue and Kentucky Avenue, to provide better sight distance.
Those interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of the planned public sessions. Both meetings also will be recorded and posted on the City’s YouTube channel. Additionally, up-to-date information regarding traffic detours and other relevant information related to the project will be posted online at www.bristoltn.org/EastCedar throughout the duration of the project
