Knoxville City Council approves $650,000 cost overrun for Middlebrook Pike project

The City of Knoxville's recent government meeting on March 11, 2025, yielded significant decisions impacting local transportation projects and funding. The council approved a cost overrun request for the Middlebrook Pike Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) expansion, increasing the project's budget by nearly $650,000, bringing the total construction cost to over $3 million. This adjustment is crucial as the project nears its construction phase, ensuring timely progress and improved traffic management in the area.

The funding for this increase will come from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, which aims to enhance air quality and reduce traffic congestion. The council's approval reflects a proactive approach to managing project costs and maintaining momentum on essential infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, the meeting addressed amendments to the fiscal year 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which included a $2.6 million carryover for a signal project in the University of Tennessee area. This amendment was necessary to align funding projections with project timelines, ensuring that the city can effectively manage its transportation initiatives.

The council also reviewed performance measures related to federal highway targets, reaffirming support for adjusted targets that reflect current trends in travel time reliability and emissions reductions. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance accountability and transparency in federal funding programs.

In conclusion, the decisions made during this meeting are set to advance Knoxville's transportation infrastructure, with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability. The council's commitment to addressing cost overruns and adjusting funding allocations demonstrates a strategic approach to urban planning and development, ultimately benefiting the community's mobility and air quality.