Knoxville initiates $10M Chapman Highway construction for pedestrian safety

The City of Knoxville held a meeting on March 11, 2025, to discuss significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility along Chapman Highway. The meeting highlighted a major construction initiative that will create a shared-use path along the west side of Chapman Highway, extending from Henley Street Bridge downtown to Fort Dickerson Park.

City officials noted a troubling history of fatal and injury crashes along this segment of the highway, attributed to an inconsistent pedestrian network. The new path aims to enhance safety for pedestrians by providing a dedicated space separated from vehicle traffic. Additionally, the project will include the installation of a landscaped median to help manage access and reduce head-on collisions, particularly at driveways.

The discussion emphasized the urgency of these improvements, with officials describing the situation as a "public health emergency," citing an annual average of 36 fatalities related to traffic incidents in the area. The city is also exploring low-cost projects that can be implemented quickly to address immediate safety concerns while larger projects are developed.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing transportation safety and accessibility, with plans for both immediate and long-term improvements along Chapman Highway.