Summary

The West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan is a $33 million investment that will lay the foundation for the revitalization of the area that connects East Tennessee State University to downtown.

The existing road will be removed and replaced with a new design which will include upgrades to water and sewer lines and storm drains. The new, pedestrian-friendly roadway will include sidewalks on both sides, on-street parking and a bike lane. The design of the roadway will include traffic calming measures such as raised intersections and slight curves.

The intersection of West Walnut Street and University Parkway will be converted to a right-in-right-out configuration and a street extension will be constructed at Cherokee Street to connect West Walnut Street to State of Franklin Road. A new signal will be installed at Pine Street and University Parkway. Public, accessible greenspaces are included in the plan to aid in the best management of stormwater and serve as gathering places for people living in or visiting the City of Johnson City.

To view the plan in its entirety, please visit West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan.

West Walnut Update (May 10)

Project Milestones

• Street lights are active on West Walnut Street from Buffalo to Sever streets.
• West Walnut intersections complete with brick pavers including Union, Earnest, Campbell, and Sevier streets as well as West Watauga Avenue.

May 19 – Mid August

• Work will begin on University Parkway between West Pine Street and State of Franklin Road.  **Cherokee Street, West Watauga Avenue, and Sevier Streets are open to access area West Walnut businesses.**

Continued Work

• BrightRidge is pulling wire on Ashe and West Walnut streets.
• Street light installation is underway on Ashe and West Walnut streets between Sevier and Buffalo streets.
• Crews are waiting on Bright Speed to begin pulling wire.
• Curb and gutter work is occurring on Boyd Street from West Walnut to West Maple streets.
• Curb and gutter work is also occurring on West Walnut Street to Boyd Street and Simple Smiles (712 W. Walnut St.).
• Hardscape features and brick paver base will be placed along the Earnest Street walkway.
• Sanitary sewer installation close to completion on West Walnut up to University Parkway.
• Sanitary Sewer service connections will occur along West Walnut Street.
• Storm pipe installation is underway from Cherokee Street east to Simple Smiles.

Drivers should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed to limit dust in the area.

sign up for updates

Updates will be posted to this page as they are available. If you would like to receive email updates regarding this project, please email your request to Sarah Nobles at snobles@johnsoncitytn.org.