A major construction project that will result in significant improvements to a 1.2-mile stretch of Bristol, Tennessee’s East Cedar Street between 5th Street and King College Road began in early October and is expected to take up to two years to complete.
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. The project is being lead by the engineering firm of Mattern & Craig and Baker Construction Services Inc.
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.
For up-to-date information regarding traffic detours and other relevant information related to the project, please go to www.bristoltn.org/EastCedar.
